Dumfriesshire MP David Mundell has met with managing director of First TransPennine Group Nick Donovan in a bid to get earlier weekday trains, later evening trains as well as more carriages.
More trains already calling at Lockerbie are welcome, according to Mr Mundell, but he says more can be done to produce a timetable to fully meet the needs of local people.
He said: “A lot has been done to improve train services from Lockerbie, but there is more still to be done.
“I am still committed to a direct service from Lockerbie to Edinburgh arriving before 9 am, as well as evening services at least on a Friday and Saturday and improvements to Sunday services.
“The Edinburgh festival has just finished, but I think it’s disappointing that local people couldn’t go to an event in the evening and get a train back to Lockerbie.
“I’ve raised these points with Transpennine, to encourage them to include them in their bid to renew their franchise.”
Mr Mundell also raised the issue of overcrowded trains about which he has received complaints over the summer.
He said: “I restated to Transpennine that it is unacceptable that local people should have to stand between Lockerbie and Edinburgh in particular and that this was contrary to undertakings already given previously by them and that I am looking for a full explanation.”
Mr Mundell also raised Club 50 with Transpennine, explaining it was a promotion run by Scotrail and since Abellio won the franchise, Lockerbie seems to be the only station that is not included and gives discounted fares.
He explained he has been contacted by constituents and said: “Transpennine are looking into it and will be getting back to me with a proposal.
“It’s not fair to exclude Lockerbie passengers from these deals.”
The MP also asked Transpennine to work with Network Rail and the council to support improving car parking facilities.
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