Fed-up commuters across Dumbarton, the Vale and Helensburgh were given an early “Christmas present” with the current provider being stripped of the franchise.
Transport secretary Michael Matheson delivered the news in the Scottish Parliament earlier this month which is hoped will end years of misery for those using rail services in the area.
People have missed hospital appointments, exams and been late at work countless times as a result.
And the tip of the iceberg came last month when it was announced two services a day would be cancelled so leaves could be cleared from the line between Dumbarton East and Balloch.
Dumbarton MSP Jackie Baillie who has raised the plight of local rail passengers countless times in parliament welcomed the end of Abellio’s “shambolic” tenure.
She said: “Ever since taking over the franchise, Abellio has made big promises and commitments but failed to deliver on them consistently.
“I am glad that the SNP has listened to my campaign and the concerns of local passengers who travel daily between Dumbarton, Helensburgh and Balloch to end this failing franchise.
“Passengers have had to put up with delays, cancellations, stop-skipping, short-formed trains and are crammed into carriages like sardines and the problems continue today.”
Jackie, along with her Scottish Labour colleagues have twice voted to force the SNP Government to end Abellio’s control over ScotRail.
On both occasions, the suggestion was voted down.
Michael Mathesonresponded to the Labour member saying: “I am pleased to give Jackie Baillie’s constituents an early Christmas present, if that is how she views the matter.
“I recognise Jackie Baillie’s concerns and the service issues in her area.
“Work is being progressed and it is being monitored independently in order to ensure that progress continues to be made.
“Despite the problems that there continue to be in the network, I am sure that Jackie Baillie will recognise that improvements have been made in addressing a range of issues.
“I know that there have been particular issues on the line to Dumbarton, which has failed on a number of occasions.
“We need to make sure that Network Rail is doing everything that it can to minimise that type of recurring problem on the route to Dumbarton, and in any other part of the Scottish network.
“All the provisions that are in the franchise agreement at the moment continue to be there.
“They will continue to be enforced, and we will continue to work with Abellio ScotRail to make sure that it is held to account on those matters. I assure Jackie Baillie that we will continue to focus on making sure that, where concerns about passenger services are raised, Abellio ScotRail addresses them.”
