HELENSBURGH’S MSP has reacted angrily this week after ScotRail said it won’t be bringing in extra compensation for commuters fed up with months of disruption to the town’s train service.
Jackie Baillie wrote to ScotRail to ask the company to consider cutting or freezing fares, over and above the firm’s ‘Delay Repay’ guarantee, to compensate for repeated delays, cancellations and trains running with fewer carriages than normal.
And she has now released a letter of reply from David Simpson, operations director of the ScotRail Alliance, stating that the company has “no plans to introduce discounted travel” on the Helensburgh, Balloch and Dumbarton routes.
READ MORE: ScotRail urged to freeze Helensburgh fares over poor service
Ms Baillie said: “It is disappointing that ScotRail is refusing to recognise the stress and inconvenience which has been caused by delays and cancellations on their network.
“Passengers in my constituency have suffered months of cancellations, delays, short formed and overcrowded trains, yet are not being given the same compensation opportunities as some passengers on other routes.
“ScotRail say that their punctuality is improving, but this has not been the experience of passengers travelling from Dumbarton, Balloch and Helensburgh.
“I am contacted daily about the problems on the line, and I continue to raise these issues at the most senior level, but the problems continue.”
READ MORE: ScotRail should apologise and compensate Helensburgh passengers, says MSP
A ScotRail spokesman said: “We’re sorry to customers for the disruption they’ve faced.
“We know the impact this has on your day, and continue to work night and day to deliver the best service for our customers in Dumbarton, Balloch, Helensburgh and beyond.
“Anyone delayed by 30 minutes or more as a result of a cancellation is entitled to compensation through our Delay Repay Guarantee.
“Just keep hold of your ticket and claim on our website or mobile app.”
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