Scottish Conservative and Unionist MSP for Central Scotland, Graham Simpson is urging whoever becomes the next First Minister to reconsider plans to dual the East Kilbride rail line in its entirety.
A commitment to fully dual and electrify the rail line between East Kilbride and Busby was made by the SNP in their ‘Decarbonisation Action Plan’ from 2021.
However, later that year the Scottish Government announced that this proposal was being scrapped. Instead, they said “electrification of single track infrastructure was the most suitable and cost effective way forward”.
Mr Simpson’s call comes as SNP representatives look to replace Nicola Sturgeon as party leader and First Minister.
Three candidates – Humza Yousaf, Kate Forbes and Ash Regan – are seeking the top job in Scottish politics.
Mr Simpson says there is a fresh opportunity to revisited the decision made in relation to the East Kilbride rail project after Nicola Sturgeon’s SNP government scrapped dualling plans.
He added that this, and other potential transport projects like the Clyde Metro, must be a top priority for any of the trio seeking to become the next First Minister if they’re hoping to encourage model shift in the town.
Scottish Conservative and Unionist MSP, Graham Simpson said: “The election of a new SNP leader and ultimately First Minister offers a fresh opportunity to revisit the East Kilbride rail project.
“Under Nicola Sturgeon, the SNP took the detrimental decision to scrap plans to dual the line all the way to Glasgow – leaving local residents without a reliable and more frequent service.
“I will be pushing on behalf of constituents in East Kilbride and the wider region to ensure, whoever emerges as the winner of the SNP’s leadership contest, that this issue is at the top of their priority list.
“The SNP Government may be changing the incumbent of Bute House, but that only increases my determination to ensure locals have a transport network they deserve.
“For too long the needs of transport users in Lanarkshire have been neglected by Nicola Sturgeon and that attitude cannot continue under Humza Yousaf, Kate Forbes or Ash Regan.”
