ScotRail has promised to improve services and add journeys to address the “pent up frustration” of north-east passengers.
Operations director David Simpson visited Aberdeen Railway Station yesterday to announce additional services across the city and shire.
Between Inverurie, Dyce and Aberdeen there will be double the amount of trains as well as more direct journeys to Inverurie, Stonehaven and Montrose.
It is hoped the changes will improve customer satisfaction with rail travel in the region.
On the Press and Journal’s website, the last 15 articles concerning ScotRail have all been reports on delays or cancellations.
Responding yesterday, Mr Simpson acknowledged that it had been a “difficult year” for the transport body, but added that customers grievances had been listened to.
He said: “Delays are unpredictable and often outwith our control.
“The last year has been difficult, yes, and we do apologise when delays happen.”
Mr Simpson added that new guards and drivers had been put on in an attempt to rectify the situation and that the new timetable would also improve the experience for passengers.
While the news of the increased services across the north-east will be likely be welcomed byStonehaven residents who have long campaigned for better railway links; Mr Simpson promised that other rural communities would not be left behind in coming years.
ScotRail commuters express anger after being 'cut off' from north-east rail network | Press and Journal https://t.co/pEifW8vO0g
— LaurencekirkAB30 (@LaurencekirkAB) March 20, 2019
Mr Simpson said: “We know there has been pent up frustration for rail in the north-east and are are trying really hard with this new timetable to rectify this.
“Compromises inevitably to have to be made.
“The central belt has seen lots of investment in recent years, but now the change is all focused on the northeast: the region deserves it.
“We hope to address areas like Laurencekirk in future years.”
The operations director added that Kintore’s new station was the next “big step” for railway growth in the north-east, and that, further north, expansion at Dalcross station is spearheading the rail revolution.
“Improving the links between Aberdeen and Inverness is on the agenda for next year,” he promised.
Mr Simpson, who has worked in the industry for 33 years, expressed hope that Scotland’s railways could return to their former glory, adding that much of ScotRail’s current work to “rectify mistakes” made decades ago.
He added: “The industry was almost in retrenchment when I joined, but now there is massive growth everywhere you look.
“People thought the railway had been written off – but now it is clear that isn’t the case.
“There are still problems with overcrowding and congestion but we are making efforts to combat this.
ScotRail boss vows to visit north-east following another day of rail chaos | Press and Journal https://t.co/OV1p023GeJ pic.twitter.com/7uC4xuj4cX
— RailwayManiac (@LeeElkWright) January 25, 2019
“We want more trains in Aberdeen and Inverness and more people on trains across Scotland.
“I for one am excited about what the future holds.”
The new timetable will come into place on December 15.
The cost of the ScotRail’s new investments comes to £475 million and also include the opening of a new station outside Glasgow, at Robroyston.
North east MSP Liam Kerr has long campaigned for the addition of new stations at locations such as Newtonhill and Cove.
Last night he said: “I welcome anything that adds journeys between Aberdeen, Inverurie and Montrose.
“But the loss of service to Laurencekirk is still deeply felt.
“There should be scope for keeping local and national connections, even from smaller stations.
“Communities like Laurencekirk and Cove are growing fast, so I will continue to press the SNP government to do more to connect north east towns and villages to the rest of Scotland.
“In tandem with the work Andrew Bowie has been doing to improve services in Laurencekirk, it must be hoped these latest initiatives are just the start for improving transport in the North East.”
Key changes to the timetable include:
Aberdeen to Inverness
More services between Aberdeen, Dyce (increases from 49 to 78 services per day, a 59% increase) and Inverurie (increases from 45 to 76 services per day, a 69% increase).
Includes additional peak time services:
06:53 from Inverurie to Montrose, arriving Aberdeen at 07:15.
07:58 from Inverurie to Montrose, arriving Aberdeen at 08:20.
16:26 from Aberdeen to Inverurie, which previously terminated at Dyce.
17:37 from Aberdeen to Inverurie, which will start at Montrose.
More services between Montrose and Inverurie (increases from five to 28 direct services per day).
The following key services have more seats for customers:
07:48 from Huntly to Aberdeen.
16:55 from Aberdeen to Inverurie.
Edinburgh and Glasgow to Aberdeen
More services between Montrose and Inverurie (increases from five to 28 direct services per day).
