Call to reverse 'stark' cuts to Aberdeen-Inverurie trains as axe sees 1,300 fewer services running
Almost 1,300 fewer trains are running between Aberdeen and Inverurie, prompting calls for ScotRail to reverse its decision to axe journeys to and from the town.
The "stark" statistics from ScotRail come exactly a year after the nationalised firm slashed services in Inverurie for the sake of boosting the number of journeys between Aberdeen and Glasgow.
Scottish Conservative MP for Gordon and Buchan, Harriet Cross, believes with Christmas approaching, having less train services could hamper Inverurie's shops, pubs and restaurants in what should be their busiest time of the year.
She added that having fewer trains for passengers to choose from often leads to overcrowded carriages with limited seating, forcing passengers to use alternative modes of transport.
The figures, obtained by Ms Cross through Freedom of Information, show for the first six months of this year, there were 3,965 trains running between Inverurie and Aberdeen in both directions. This is a drop of almost 1,300 in the same period last year when there were 5,263 services running.
Passenger numbers have also fallen by almost 2,000 over the summer between May and September. This year, 80,588 passengers used trains between Inverurie and Aberdeen compared to 82,181 last year.
Ms Cross, said: "These stark figures show the true extent of ScotRail’s decision to axe Inverurie’s train services.
"Despite being one of the largest, fastest growing towns in Aberdeenshire, Inverurie residents and businesses have been betrayed by ScotRail and the Scottish Government.
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"As more people look away from cars and want to use alternative modes of transport, many rely on the train to get to work, go shopping or go to pubs and restaurants in Inverurie which is why these services should be expanded, not drawn back.
"When businesses are approaching their busiest time of the year this Christmas, Inverurie’s train services shouldn’t be sacrificed to pay for the central belt.
"This is yet another example of the North East being overlooked for modern transport infrastructure in favour of places like Edinburgh and Glasgow."
ScotRail’s December 2023 timetable change saw changes made to services between Dundee and Inverurie with the aim of delivering an increase in service reliability across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire.
The rail operator says it had looked to reduce cancellations in a bid to avoid discouraging passengers from rail travel, however its recent temporary timetable, which operated between July 10 and October 6, had suppressed passenger growth.
Scott Prentice, ScotRail Strategy and Planning Director, said: "The temporary timetable in place this year was a difficult few months for our customers and staff, and we thank customers for their patience.
"With a pay deal agreed and the full timetable back in place, everyone at ScotRail is focused on delivering a safe, reliable, and green service which encourages more people to choose rail travel instead of using the car.
"ScotRail continually monitors how passengers use our services and will continue to make changes to the timetable to best meet the needs of local communities, whilst providing value for money for the public purse."