MORAY RAIL USERS are being offered the chance to quiz the managing director of Abellio ScotRail over issues they have faced on the main Inverness to Aberdeen line.
The move comes after a number of regular commuters contacted Moray’s MSP, Richard Lochhead, over several issues including the regular cancellation of key services from Keith, Elgin and Forres stations.
Mr Lochhead met with ScotRail’s boss Phil Verster last week to discuss passenger concerns – including the ‘online only’ method of registering for the new Club 50 travel offer. Other issues discussed were poor Wi-Fi connections, in particular since Abellio took over the franchise earlier this year, and a shortage of seats on several busy services.
During the meeting the MSP invited Mr Verster to come to Moray for a public meeting and allow users the opportunity to pose their own questions and concerns directly – an invitation that was accepted by the rail chief.
Mr Lochhead said: “I was pleased to have the opportunity to meet with Phil Verster last week to make him aware of some of the concerns my constituents have about local rail services, including the frustration of commuters who rely on the 0724 service from Elgin to Inverness.
“During the meeting, I invited him to visit Moray for a public meeting which would allow him to hear first-hand the experiences of local rail users and to give them the chance to have their questions answered by him directly.
“I’m delighted he accepted this invitation and that he is keen to hear from passengers in Moray and I hope he will use their feedback when reviewing services and looking at how they can improve rail travel on the Aberdeen to Inverness line.”
A date for the meeting is yet to be finalised.