LONG-SUFFERING train passengers are being handed a much-needed boost as ScotRail introduces more seats on services travelling through Barrhead.

Starting this Sunday, the Barrhead to Glasgow route will see four more carriages added to peak services, providing an extra 3,000 seats.

There has been significant passenger growth on this route in recent years but some commuters have accused ScotRail of being slow to catch up, leading to frequent overcrowding on journeys.

Services on the Glasgow to East Kilbride line will also be boosted, from four to six carriages, which will provide an additional 1,000 seats as trains stop at Thornliebank, Giffnock, Clarkston and Busby.

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East Renfrewshire MP Paul Masterton is among those who have welcomed the move to make the trains take more of the strain.

He told the Barrhead News: “People living in East Renfrewshire rightly expect the highest standards of train services and, on too many occasions in recent times, this has not been the case.

“Greater action has been needed to address the various problems experienced by passengers and to improve the train routes servicing stations in East Renfrewshire.

“I am pleased ScotRail have responded to the concerns we raised with them and the enhanced train capacity on both the Barrhead and East Kilbride lines is a welcome development.”

Tom Arthur, who represents Barrhead as an MSP, said: "Havin engaged and met with Scotrail to stress the need for increased capacity, this is welcome news and will be a necessary boost for rail passengers in Barrhead.

"I'm hopeful that this much needed improvement will help tackle overcrowding." 

Mr Arthur did add, however, that he hoped the next step would be the electrification of the line to Glasgow Central. 

Barrhead News: SNP man Tom Arthur SNP man Tom Arthur

Eastwood MSP Jackson Carlaw added: “Many constituents have contacted me about the problems of overcrowding and too few carriages being provided on local train services.

“It is a good news story that the firm date of May 19 has now been confirmed by ScotRail for the introduction of the additional carriages.

“Both Paul and I made direct representations to ScotRail over the need for additional capacity on local train services and we will be monitoring the effectiveness of the new carriages.”

Alex Hynes, managing director of ScotRail Alliance, said an “unprecedented” investment in new trains and infrastructure is delivering faster journeys, more seats and more services for customers.

He added: “Everyone across the ScotRail Alliance is working hard to deliver the service that our customers expect and deserve.”