Members of the public across the Borders are being encouraged to take part in ScotRail’s ongoing consultation on new timetables
The train operator will be introducing revised timetables which will take effect from May 2022 and initial proposals indicate a reduction of services on selected routes throughout the Scottish network.
ScotRail is keen to hear from as many people as possible to help shape a better and more reliable service for Scotland.
The revised timetables will take into consideration the predicted travel habits of customers in the future whilst aiming to reduce operating costs and emissions.
Get involved
The consultation is available on the ScotRail website and will remain open until 1 October 2021.
Rail travel currently plays an important part in connecting parts of the Borders to the rest of the country, providing opportunities for work, education and leisure related journeys. The opening of the Borders railway in 2015 has proven to be extremely popular, serving thousands of customers during that time.
The reopening of Reston Station in 2022 should also give Borderers increased access to rail services and enhance the local transport network in Berwickshire.
However, current plans suggest that the new station will be served by the long distance carriers such as CrossCountry Trains and not by a ScotRail service.
Councillor Gordon Edgar, Executive Member for Infrastructure, Travel and Transport
“I’d like to encourage as many people as possible to engage with this consultation and submit their feedback.
“Rail links within the Scottish Borders are extremely well used, with passenger numbers consistently high. They act as a vital link for people of all ages across the region and by sharing your views you can help ensure these services are protected and potentially enhanced.”
Councillor Mark Rowley, Executive Member for Economic Regeneration and Finance
“The opening of the Borders Railway in 2015 has played a significant part in helping drive the local economy and with the reopening of Reston Station next year, supported by almost £3m of Council investment, rail travel in Berwickshire should be greatly enhanced”.
“It is vital that Borderers contribute their views to this consultation exercise as current proposals indicate that CrossCountry Trains will be the main provider at Reston and not ScotRail”.
“Local rail services are vital to try and take cars off the road, to support Borders tourism and to enable residents to access education and other services in an area which has limited access to a regular bus network”.