In Parliament

I have a longstanding interest in the services on this train line. This has previously included securing a 7 day a week service for Maryhill. Previously no Sunday services were available except immediately before Christmas.

I am keen to see the train line decarbonised as part of our climate ambitions and new rolling stock to service it. This can be done in two ways- electrification or investing in innovative rolling stock such as battery electric trains. Constituents who use the Maryhill railway line (which runs between Anniesland and Queen Street, via Summerston) maybe therefore be interested in the following exchange on the matter that I had with Alex Hynes – Manager, Scotland’s Railway.

At the Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee, Mr Hynes responded to my questioning as follows -

“Battery electric trains can use the overhead electrification system where it exists and, where it does not, they use energy from the batteries on board the train. A line with a small range, such as the Maryhill line, is within the range of a battery, which would enable us to decarbonise that route without any overhead electrification. In addition, we are looking initially at the partial electrification of the railway in Fife and of the Borders railway. Again, having a battery electric train would enable us to decarbonise in advance of full electrification.”

While this may still be some time off, it can give us all encouragement that as new electric technology develops, the Maryhill line should benefit.

I will continue to pursue this as ScotRail looks to update its rolling stock in due course.

More Information

Meeting of the Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee

https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/official-report/search-what-was-said-in-parliament/NZET-19-03-2024?meeting=15777&iob=134662