The Official Report is a written record of public meetings of the Parliament and committees.
All Official Reports of meetings in the Debating Chamber of the Scottish Parliament.
All Official Reports of public meetings of committees.
Displaying 1319 contributions
Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee
Meeting date: 19 March 2024
Douglas Lumsden
You mentioned that the trains are full already. Is there any way to increase capacity? Have fares changed since the service moved into public ownership?
Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee
Meeting date: 19 March 2024
Douglas Lumsden
Thanks, convener. I will go back to the issue of antisocial behaviour, which Monica Lennon mentioned earlier. What more are your organisations doing to combat antisocial behaviour on our railways? What can we do to assist?
Alcohol is banned now on ScotRail services at all times of day. What has happened with the consultation and where will that lead?
Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee
Meeting date: 19 March 2024
Douglas Lumsden
So, that information has gone back to Scottish ministers. When did they receive it?
Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee
Meeting date: 19 March 2024
Douglas Lumsden
I am frustrated that I am getting pinged between different places when I ask questions about the issue. I have asked you, and you have been quite honest with us; and I have asked ministers, who have said that the matter is a ScotRail decision. It is good to have that clarified.
Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee
Meeting date: 19 March 2024
Douglas Lumsden
Thanks. I will go on to my next question, which is about the ongoing use of the HST rolling stock. Are those trains safe, and when will they be replaced?
Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee
Meeting date: 19 March 2024
Douglas Lumsden
You mentioned that it could be 2030 before the HSTs are replaced. Could their use be extended further than that? I imagine that you would look to have electric trains on the east coast up to Aberdeen, but that will probably not be likely by 2030.
Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee
Meeting date: 19 March 2024
Douglas Lumsden
As you say, these dates are coming quite quickly. Liam Sumpter, in 2026 there is meant to be a 20-minute reduction in train journeys between Aberdeen and the central belt. Will that be met by 2026?
Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee
Meeting date: 19 March 2024
Douglas Lumsden
Does that £200 million appear on a budget line?
Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee
Meeting date: 19 March 2024
Douglas Lumsden
I will ask a question about peak fares, first. I listened to a radio phone-in yesterday on which most people said that the trial is a good thing, but one person called to say that it was the worst thing that has happened because now her train is jam-packed at peak times because people are changing their behaviour. Robert, is that something that you are seeing and does the Government need to look at timetables?
Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee
Meeting date: 19 March 2024
Douglas Lumsden
Thank you.