Transport Meetings

Public transport is a core local service and one that many of us rely on. I spend about ten hours a week on the train getting from North East Fife to Westminster and back, so I really do know how important it is. This is also why I have really felt the pain of those people who have been reaching out to me in recent months because of problems with local transport.  

At the end of July, Stagecoach announced it was removing almost 40 bus stops from service. Many who relied on this service were impacted, particularly in the more rural parts of Fife where transport links are already few and far, as well as elderly residents and those with limited mobility.

As a result, I met with Stagecoach to better understand why these changes had been made and what they could do to mitigate the resulting problems. There were several logistical reasons for the changes, such as built-up traffic causing severe delays. Stagecoach have assured me they are aware of the disruption the changes have caused and they will be providing alternative routes and/or connecting with other providers, to get to the same place, although this might mean having to change buses during the journey.

Another major transport link is the train service. Having opened in June, the Levenmouth Rail Link was hugely welcomed by the local community. It is such a great way to bring tourists and football fans into the Leven area whilst helping residents with daily commutes and bringing in visitors to allow local businesses to thrive. However within the first few weeks of opening to the public, Levenmouth Railway experienced cancellations and delays.

Following this, I met with ScotRail to discuss why this was happening and what can be done. The key reason for the disruption, I was told, is the shortage of drivers, something they are seeking to address in the short and long term.

For now, a temporary timetable has been put in place by Scotrail to mitigate pay related staff shortages. This has not directly impacted Leven (although it has Cupar), but I’m concerned that these ongoing issues will mean continuing cancellations and delays in implementing the full timetable that Levenmouth was promised and I will continue to challenge in this area.

It was wonderful last week to meet again with the Levenmouth Railway Campaign group who have been instrumental in getting the station up and running again. They have been campaigning since 1991 and were disappointed to see disruption so early on. They are hopeful for the two trains an hour in 2025 which was originally promised.

After being re-elected in July, I wrote to the Scottish Secretary of State asking that we work inter-governmentally in order to secure funding for transport infrastructure. I remain frustrated that disability access at Leuchars has yet to receive upgrading funding. It’s also clear that communities are keen to seek improved rail links, which is why I’ll be continuing to support the Newburgh Campaign group who are working hard on the ongoing efforts to rebuild the station. I hope to see funding secured for the station so that works can begin.

All of this does not take away from the ongoing services we do have here in North East Fife and the hardworking bus and train drivers without whom none of these services would be possible. But following the General Election, it’s clear that transport remains a key issue for many and therefore is a key issue for me.