Rail bosses have attempted to clear up confusion over planned cuts to early morning train services between Elgin and Inverness and insisted the changes will be temporary.
Moray MP Douglas Ross contacted Scotrail following reports that both the 7.06am and the 7.28am services were being removed from December 14.
However, the transport giant has said that the cancellations were made “in error”.
Upon reviewing the timetable and the number of passengers currently using the two services, Scotrail has now decided to reinstate the 7.06am service but remove the 7.28am on a temporary basis. Scotrail said that on average, a maximum of 15 people are currently using the 7.28am service, and up to 22 were using the 7.06am service.
Mr Ross has been promised that the early service will start up again once demand picks up.
Scottish Conservative MP for Moray Douglas Ross said:
“This episode has been very confusing for passengers in Moray who rely on these services to get to work in Inverness.
“I contacted Scotrail to seek clarity on what was going on.
“I am pleased to say that Scotrail has confirmed the 7.06am service will continue and I’ve also been assured that the cancellation of the 7.28am service will be on a temporary basis and will be reinstated once demand picks up.
“I will be holding Scotrail to that commitment and making sure that rail travellers from Moray are not put at any further disadvantage.
“I understand that passenger numbers have been down due to the pandemic, but we should be not be limiting the opportunities for people to travel by train to work and I hope to see this service restored at the earliest opportunity.”