Newest rail line in Scotland plagued by problems :: 02/02/2009 :: Airport Parking News
When the line opened last year it was over two years late and cost twice the amount budgeted.
← Previous Article | ↑ Articles This Month ↑ | Next Article →
Newest rail line in Scotland plagued by problems
Monday, 2nd February 2009
Since then, track and level-crossing problems have plagued the line, according to The Scotsman.
Twenty-one instances of motorists being stuck at barriers that fail to work properly have been reported since May on the Stirling-Alloa-Kincardine route.
The 13-mile-long stretch is the first new rail line to have been approved by the Scottish Parliament. It will be closed down on four upcoming weekends for repairs.
Sources have said that the new track does not conform to standards, which has led to additional maintenance costs.
Ochil SNP MSP Keith Brown has said that urgent action to deal with the problems is necessary.
"This is in stark contrast to the success of the line, with passenger numbers way ahead of projections," he said. "Anything that jeopardised that would be regrettable and I want to see Transport Scotland get to the bottom of this very quickly."
South of the Forth, at three level-crossings, barriers remain in the "down" position long after trains have passed. Both drivers and pedestrians have been delayed for as long as an hour, having no alternative routes to choose from.
← Chavs travel cheaper with Travel Republic
→ TUI Travel says performance to meet expectations
↑ February 2009 news index
