The Scottish government have announced a £25 million investment into the East Kilbride rail line.
That means improved services, better access to stations and more trains. It could even mean the electrification of the line.
Speaking at Parliamentary Questions on Tuesday, transport secretary Michael Matheson confirmed that peak journeys on the route “regularly” featured on a top 10 list of overcrowded ScotRail services.
He told Parliament: “We are making investments now to help with this.
“We have now agreed to provide up to £24.8 million to Network Rail to progress the major development work required.”
The news comes after an announcement last week from ScotRail that passengers on the East Kilbride to Glasgow line would benefit from 1000 extra seats, expected to be available from as early as next week – May 20.
Mr Matheson’s announcement on Tuesday morning will be welcomed by fed up commuters, who have long campaigned for improvements to the line.
Services are regularly cancelled, delayed or overcrowded, with lack of carriages causing a number of problems for the service.
Now it looks like Network Rail and ScotRail could be about to finally provide a service fit for a town with a population of over 75,000.
Mr Matheson was responding the a question on the long-running service saga from MSP, Linda Fabiani, who had requested enhancements to the East Kilbride rail corridor.
The transport secretary added: “This will help in providing enhanced connectivity (more frequent services), improved accessibility to stations, better transport integration, with improved park and ride facilities and active travel provisions.
“Our aim, whilst delivering this, is to move towards a carbon free journey from home to destination for communities along the route, by considering electrification."
Ms Fabiani said she was “absolutely delighted” with the announcement.
