BORDERS MSP John Lamont says that the Scottish government needs to “get a grip” when it comes to sorting out the Borders Railway.

Last week, it was announced ticket prices would be put up 0.9 per cent (off-peak) and 1.9 per cent (peak-time), meaning an off-peak return from Galashiels to Edinburgh Waverley will now cost £10.50 – an increase of 10p per passenger.

And the Conservative member for Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire feels that commuters will be concerned if they don’t see an improvement on the line.

He told the Border Telegraph: “Passengers facing delayed or overcrowded trains on the Borders Railway and East Coast mainline will be concerned about this fare increase, particularly if it doesn’t also mean an improvement in service.

“The rail network has been a shambles recently and the Scottish government and franchise operator needs to get a grip on this issue fast.

“Reliable rail links are vital to the Borders economy and unless improvements are made, passengers will continue to question whether Abellio and the SNP are up to the job.”

But SNP MSP Christine Grahame insists that passengers should not be concerned, as the extra cash will be used to improve the train carriages.

Ms Grahame said: “As we all know, we have seen a smaller increase than in England on tickets, at 1.9 per cent.

“And I don’t think a 10p rise for an off-peak ticket from Galashiels to Edinburgh Waverley is harsh. It is a small increase and the money will contribute to new carriages for the Borders Railway.

“If you look at the chaos in England with Southern Rail and the London Underground, I think you can see how Transport Scotland is in better health.

“Obviously nobody wants to see an increase, but in this case it will mean we will see improvements like better carriages, which is what we all want,” she added.

Undoubtedly the fare rise has been a hot topic in the Borders this past week and many of our readers have taken to our social media pages to voice their opinions.

Leigh Rankine wrote: “Less than one per cent 1% on off-peak, is hardly a ‘hike,’ let’s face it everything else will go up by three-four per cent 3-4% in April, unlike the wages.”

Katie Wilson added: “Folk complain at everything. 
“It’s gone up by 10p not £10. I thought it was £10.50 for an off-peak return anyway!”

And Jonathan Frater said: “I think I can handle a 10p or 30p rise on peak when fuel has jumped up by around 50p a gallon in the last six 6 months or so. I use it when I can to get to work in Edinburgh, I think it’s a godsend!”
But some of our readers disagree.

Pawel Mamrot wrote: “They should lower the number of Ccancellations if they want more money lol.”

Graham Jones BK Jones added: “Get shot of ScotRail! ! As They are completely unreliable and have a cheek putting up prices when they are constantly cancelling trains and the strikes due to unmanned trains. Time to put Scottish railways backailway’s Back Iin public ownership.”

And Darren Moir said: “We suffer while the drivers have a £40k (per annum) job.”

A spokesman for ScotRail spokesman person said: “Regulated ScotRail fare increases are capped at the level of the Retail Price Index (RPI) at 1.9 per cent and off-peak regulated fares increases capped at one per cent below RPI (0.9 per cent), in accordance with Scottish Government instruction.”