Rail travellers on services from Helensburgh will have more space to social distance after an increased number of carriages were secured for the route.
Many Scotrail services travelling between Helensburgh and Glasgow, via Dumbarton East, Dumbarton Central and Dalreoch, had been cut from six carriages to three - with MSP Jackie Baillie expressing concerns over a lack of space for social distancing, especially during the Christmas relaxation of rules.
The Labour member raised her worries with Scotrail, who will now continue to operate longer trains over the festive period.
In a statement they told Jackie: “Following your feedback and with the latest change in lockdown restrictions across the Central Belt that were introduced on Friday December 11, we have increased capacity on services from Helensburgh Central.
“The majority of services from Helensburgh Central will therefore operate with six carriages again. With the timetable change that took place on Sunday, 13 December, we will continue to operate six carriage services on this route for the run up to Christmas.”
And Baillie welcomed the news.
She commented: “I am delighted that Scotrail have taken on board my concerns and those of the many local people who rely on train travel to get about.
“I understand that fewer people are taking the train at the moment but the vital need to keep two metres apart wherever possible means that it is more important than ever to have six carriages on all services.
“This increase will come as reassurance to everyone who will be travelling by train during the relaxation of restrictions between December 23 and 27.
“I will continue to ensure that Scotrail does everything in its power to provide a reliable local service and to keep passengers safe.”
