EGIP services charge ahead

The launch of services on the £80million Cumbernauld-Glasgow line marks the successful completion of the first part of the Edinburgh-Glasgow Improvement Programme.

Quieter, more regular and more reliable trains are now able to run on the line. And the enhanced timetables see more than twice as many services, meaning over double the previous capacity.

Transport Minister Keith Brown joined passengers on the first day of commuter services on the improved line.

He said: “The launch of these electric services is a huge milestone for the EGIP project and the Cumbernauld electrification has been delivered on time, on budget and well ahead of this summer’s Commonwealth Games, as promised.

“EGIP is one of the biggest infrastructure investments by this government and a central part of our ambition to ensure a railway which is fit for Scotland’s future.

“It will result in 30% more seats and around 20% faster journey times on our flagship route. It’s already delivered the stunning new-look £25million Haymarket Station in Edinburgh and will include a £120million restoration of Glasgow’s Queen Street station, as well as a new station at Cumbernauld.

“All of the partners involved have worked well to get to this stage and we are now getting to see these exciting plans beginning to come to life.”

Steve Montgomery, First ScotRail’s managing director, said: “The electrification of the Cumbernauld-Glasgow line is a major step forward for this exciting project, and one that delivers real benefits for customers.

“More than 800,000 journeys are made on this route each year and I have no doubt this will continue to grow now that we are introducing more modern, regular and reliable trains."

David Dickson, Network Rail route managing director for Scotland, added:

“We are pleased to have been able to deliver another significant part of the strategically-vital Edinburgh-Glasgow Improvement Programme on time, on budget and in readiness for the Commonwealth Games.

“We are making good progress elsewhere in developing plans for the electrification of the main Edinburgh-Glasgow line and with the redevelopment of Glasgow Queen Street and look forward to also delivering these projects as quickly and cost-effectively for the Scottish Government.”

The electrification of the 50km line between Cumbernauld and Scotland’s largest city began last June. Completion of this phase sees the number of services on the line increase from 36 each weekday with 5,500 seats to 59 services with 11,500 seats, as well as earlier and later trains between Cumbernauld and Motherwell.

There will also be additional stops at a number of Glasgow stations, allowing more passengers to benefit from the improvements, and the enhanced services will serve Commonwealth Games venues in the west end of the city, including the SECC and Kelvingrove.

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