SCOTRAIL HAS signalled its intention to put an end to “stop-skipping” in Fife.

The practice means that trains do not always stop at halts which they are timetabled to visit, in order to make up time if they are running late.

The move has been welcomed by Shirley-Anne Somerville, MSP for Dunfermline and West Fife, who discussed 'stop-skipping' in a meeting with ScotRail managing director, Phil Verster, recently.

Mr Verster acknowledged that “stop-skipping” has been used in Fife although only a limited number of services.

Ms Somerville also voiced her constituents’ concerns about crowded carriages, timetabling issues, the quality of ScotRail’s carriages and other service issues.

It has emerged that Fife will benefit from new Class 170 carriages and ScotRail is working to deliver these as soon as possible.

Shirley-Anne said: “Stop-skipping is, understandably, an annoyance to rail users in Fife. The last thing that customers want is for their stop to be missed out entirely. I’m therefore pleased that ScotRail has taken the views of the public on board, by signalling an end to this practice.

“During my recent meeting with Phil Verster, I asked whether ScotRail could better communicate with customers in Fife about service changes and upgrades.

“Mr Verster has agreed to examine the idea of holding public events to demonstrate ScotRail’s timetable changes and the Class 170 rolling stock that have been promised to Fifers.

“This will be an excellent opportunity for people in Dunfermline to ask ScotRail staff about the expected service improvements in their area.

“As a rail user myself, I look forward to the new Class 170 carriages, and I hope to see them delivered as soon as possible.”