The service from Lockerbie Station is the “worst train service in Britain”, according to South Scotland MSP and Scottish Labour’s Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero, Energy & Transport & Rural Affairs Colin Smyth.

The local MSP is calling for the Scottish Government to end the “failed” Transpennine Express franchise and bring it under new management.

Colin Smyth was speaking during a Topical Question session in the Scottish Parliament on Wednesday (18 May) where the subject of the numerous and frequent cancellations suffered by those travelling from and to Lockerbie were discussed.

Speaking in the chamber, Colin Smyth said: “This is the worst train service in Britain, and there is a fair bit of competition for that title.

“The problems are not new; passengers from Lockerbie station have been treated as second class since the franchise began.

“When the minister meets her UK counterpart, will she join me in calling for an end to the failed franchise and for it to be brought under new management?”

Speaking after the session, Colin Smyth added: “After years of lockdowns due to the pandemic, people are trying to get back to some kind of normal and for many, that means using our trains for work, education or leisure.

“It is also totally understandable that many would rather use public transport instead of driving, especially in this time of rocketing fuel costs.

“However, train passengers at Lockerbie are facing near constant disruptions, bus replacements and cancellations. It is disappointing but unfortunately, it is nothing new for those of us who regularly travel from Lockerbie.”