MSP says more needs to be done for Dumfries and Galloway rail passengers
A 2 for 1 ticket deal will be offered to passengers through Stranraer from Monday 18 November
Passengers in Dumfries and Galloway are being encouraged back to the trains, after a local MSP warned residents felt “angry” and “forgotten about” following months of disruption on the line.
Train services were halted after the Ayr Station Hotel fire in September 2023, but now to “thank everyone for the patience they showed”, ScotRail is offering 2 for 1 tickets on routes through Stranraer until the end of January.
MSP Finlay Carson wrote to the rail operator, urging them to do something for rail passengers affected.
He said: “I am delighted that after much delay ScotRail recognise the lengthy disruption to rail travels in Stranraer by offering customers a special offer on fares.
"Angry" and "forgotten about"
“It is only right given they waited patiently for some time to see rail services returned.”
He added: “It is just unfortunate that it took a little longer to materialise as a result of a temporary timetable being introduced as a direct result of industrial action by the drivers.”
In August this year ScotRail wrote to Carson saying: “Please be assured that we will be running an offer for Stranraer customers, our retail and marketing teams have been working on the details.
“The offer was originally going to be introduced when the full Stranraer timetable was operational in July but, as you will know, we introduced a temporary timetable on Wednesday, 10 July which, unfortunately, means that we haven’t been able to implement the full Stranraer timetable.”
"Thank everyone for the patience they showed"
Mr Carson also raised concerns about the state of the line, continuing: “I have met with Network Rail and Scotrail in recent weeks to raise concerns about rising rail fares and the poor state of the station and its surroundings. I will be meeting them again in the coming days.”
The ticket deal will be in place from Monday November 18 until January 21 2025.
The offer is valid on all ScotRail services to or from Stranraer, Barrhill, Girvan, and Maybole stations, and customers will be able to download a voucher and present it along with a valid rail ticket when travelling.
"We look forward to welcoming people on board"
Claire Dickie, ScotRail Commercial Director, said:
"This is a fantastic offer for our customers, and will allow people travelling to and from Stranraer, Barrhill, Girvan, and Maybole stations to claim a free ticket for family or friends.
“We know that the disruption caused by the fire at the former Station Hotel in Ayr had a significant impact on people in the area.
“The offer is an opportunity for us to thank everyone for the patience they showed during that disruption, and we look forward to welcoming people on board.”