Borders Rail disruption threatens burgeoning tourism

Wednesday April 10th 2019

Borders Railway

The Federation of Small Businesses has warned that ongoing high profile disruption to services on the Borders Railway risks putting off visitors to the area as we approach the holiday season.

Borders FSB Member, Hans Waltl, said:

“The Borders has big tourism ambitions but poor service on the Borders Railway is putting these at risk. Rarely a day goes by now when we are not seeing reports of serious overcrowding and disruption affecting the line.

“These problems are bad enough for commuters using the line on a daily basis but the negative stories also risk putting off potential visitors to the Borders, hoping to use the railway to access local businesses and attractions. Indeed it is to be hoped that this weekend’s Melrose Sevens will not be adversely affected by service failures.

“Bringing Galashiels and Tweedbank to within an hour’s rail journey from the centre of Edinburgh is devalued if visitors can’t get on a crowded train or if the service is cancelled altogether.

“Longer term, the hope held out by the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal of extending the Borders Railway via Hawick to Carlisle will be strengthened by the delivery of a popular and reliable service on the existing line.

“It is high time that Abellio ScotRail got its act together and delivered the kind of service that local people and businesses deserve. The economic potential offered by the railway will only be fulfilled when trains run when they are supposed to and with enough seating to match demand.”

As the problems with the Borders Railway continue local politicians have escalated the issue.

Last week local MSP, Christine Grahame, once more raised the performance of the Borders Railway with First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, at First Minister’s Questions, MSP invites ScotRail CEO to take the train with her.

Last month Conservative Councillor Pauline Winchester, also raised the issue after she was again caught up in the disruption, ScotRail cannot give date for ending overcrowding.

As experts in business, FSB offers members a wide range of vital business services, including advice, financial expertise, support and a powerful voice in Government. Its aim is to help smaller businesses achieve their ambitions. For more information see here, www.fsb.org.uk.

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