Cross–Border rail travel concerns

STARTING and finishing cross-Border train services in Edinburgh and Glasgow would drive passengers off the railways, trade unions have warned.

Proposals in the Scottish Government’s Rail 2014 consultation could see services provided by East Coast or Cross Country terminating in the cities, with passengers travelling further having to use ScotRail.

Rail trade unions told Holyrood’s infrastructure committee yesterday cross-Border services must continue.

Kevin Lindsay, Scottish secretary of the Associated Society of Locomotive Steam Enginemen and Firemen, said: “Cross-Border services must be preserved, full-stop. It would drive folk off the railway. We would be doing a disservice to people outwith the Central Belt.”