The Scottish Passenger Agents’ Association has lodged the ‘strongest possible protest’ with the Department for Transport over plans to stop direct rail links between London and Aberdeen/Inverness.
In a review of the Intercity Express, the Government is proposing to withdraw the current direct diesel services in favour of connecting services via Glasgow and Edinburgh.
SPAA vice president Kevin Thom said the move would “seriously undermine†support for rail travel amongst both leisure and business travellers in the north of Scotland, many of whom already face lengthy connecting journeys to and from Aberdeen and Inverness.
He said if travellers were forced to begin or complete their journey on trains which do not provide popular Intercity amenities, such as Wifi access, power points and comprehensive catering, they will simply switch to air travel.
“We are seeking the Secretary of State’s assurance that there will be genuine and extensive consultation before any such erosion of vital direct rail services takes place,†said Thom.
“We are also suggesting that, far from undermining the existing long-haul rail network in the UK, the government should be contributing to the electrification of the lines between central Scotland and the North.
“That would be real evidence of ‘joined-up’ thinking on the future for rail and air transport in and around the UK.â€
By Bev Fearis
