SNP MSPs David Torrance, Jenny Gilruth, Annabelle Ewing and Shirley-Anne Somerville have called for urgent action to be taken to address the service disruptions affecting passengers using the Fife Circle line which involves Cowdenbeath, Lochgelly and Cardenden stations.

Since October ScotRail staff who are RMT members had been taking part industrial action – resulting in an indefinite ban on overtime and rest day working. A resolution to this dispute has now been reached between both parties.

60% of delays and cancellations on Scotland’s rail system are attributable to Network Rail and not to the train operator. Network Rail is responsible for railway infrastructure and is not devolved. It answers to the UK Government only, despite transport (including the rail franchise) being devolved.

The MSPs recognise that ScotRail’s recent performance has fallen below expected standards with its services through Fife, but assert that a change of franchisee will not address problems attributable to Network Rail. The Scottish Government wants Network Rail to be devolved urgently. This would allow key functions such as timetabling and improvements to be undertaken as part of a cohesive Scotland wide approach to transport.

The Scottish Government has sought and won the right for a public sector body to bid for a rail franchise and is committed to promoting a public sector franchise bid at the next opportunity.

Cowdenbeath MSP Annabelle Ewing stated: "Far too often, my constituents face train delays, cancellations and overcrowding, and some even have to put up with the total farce of not knowing if their train will actually stop at the station they have a ticket for.

“The Fife Circle also seems to get the oldest rolling stock around so even when a delayed train finally arrives, the quality of travel experienced by Fifers is lower than in other parts of the country.

“This is unacceptable. Scotrail needs to do much more to ensure that they get the Fife Circle back on track.”

Kirkcaldy MSP, David Torrance commented; “ScotRail must provide a reliable service for customers who want to use the train to get to work. My constituents who pay for and rely on these services are being let down far too often, irrespective of the cause.

Kinglassie MSP Jenny Gilruth stated: “In March this year Markinch train station was reported as one of the worst performing in Scotland, with only 66.7% of trains stopping in arriving within 5 minutes of their scheduled time. In September it was reported that the 4.34pm Edinburgh to Perth service, which also calls in Markinch, was the most overcrowded train in the country.

“It is patently clear from the evidence, and from the repeated complaints I have received from constituents in the past few months, that Scotrail is not delivering a quality service for my constituents.

"Added to this, Fifers also pay on average £5 more per mile for every journey to the capital compared to those travelling from Glasgow. Fife needs a reliable and affordable rail service - it’s high time Scotrail stepped up to the mark’.”

Commenting, Dunfermline and West Fife MSP, Shirley-Anne Somerville, said: “As a regular rail user, I’m more than aware of how frustrating the recent disruptions on the Fife Circle have been."