4 November
This message from Bob Doris MSP:

Dear all,

I wanted to write to you following recent speculation in the media over the Maryhill train line. I would be grateful if you would distribute this information to the Community Council.

Speculation over the future of the line is wide of the mark and is needlessly causing concerns to local commuters. While some politicians are raising unfounded concerns, I have used the past few months to meet Keith Brown, Scotland’s Transport Minister, as well as First ScotRail and Transport Scotland. The purpose of the meetings was proactively to argue for enhancing local provision by campaigning for a Sunday Service on the line, and to consider connectivity at Anniesland to create a north Glasgow circular service.

THERE IS NO THREAT TO ANY STATIONS OR THE LINE. The Transport Minister was crystal clear about this in our meeting, and in the Evening Times on 31 October, the Deputy First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, said the following:

Passengers can rest assured that this SNP Government is totally committed to keeping the stations along the Maryhill line open.

There has never been any intention to close them, and they will remain open as long as we are in office.

We are delivering a great package of rail improvements for Glasgow in time for the Commonwealth Games, and these stations will remain a key part of the local transport network.

As one of your elected representatives, I am fighting to extend provision, and have requested a meeting with Strathclyde Passenger Transport to work jointly on this. I believe we can get any new franchise holder to consider including a Sunday Service in any bid. That would be a far more constructive approach.

I would ask the Community Council to encourage constituents to contact me if they support the extension of rail services to Sundays. They can do this in writing (Empire House, 131 West Nile St, Glasgow G1 2RX), by telephone (0141 353 0784) or by email (bob.doris.msp@scottish.parliament.uk).

Opposition politicians and SPT have simply got this wrong, but I remain committed to working with everyone to improve our local area.

Best wishes,

Bob Doris
MSP for Glasgow

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31 October: UPDATE – see Ken’s comment and link below

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29 October: Ken Windsor has set up a Facebook page about the latest reported threat to the Queen Street-Anniesland line. The Evening Times story is here, and the Facebook page is here.

Expect this to be on the agenda at the next Community Council meeting.