THE rail situation in Inverclyde has taken centre stage in recent weeks.

I met with Transport Minister Humza Yousaf MSP in a long-standing arrangement to discuss Inverclyde’s transport networks and the return of the old Class 314 trains was top of the agenda.

As a number of constituents have contacted me about this, and the detrimental impact it’s having on the service Inverclyde passengers receive, I have asked Mr Yousaf for a discount on Inverclyde to Glasgow rail routes.

I believe this is a fair outcome for those who have to travel on a train with lesser facilities – especially considering the increasing number of breakdowns too.

Last week in parliament I also attended a drop-in from the chief executive of ScotRail which allowed MSPs to raise local issues directly with the CEO.

During my session, I highlighted the shocking standard of cleanliness on the old C314 carriages; the delay in obtaining the new trains and pushing for Inverclyde to get the newer trains back full-time; and again requested a discount for passengers travelling on the old C314 trains.

Having already met with ScotRail’s head of business development recently, I further outlined the challenges to the Wemyss Bay line and pushed for a half-hourly service to be considered.

I also mentioned the possibility of a shuttle train service between Wemyss Bay and Port Glasgow to provide better connectivity.

Looking ahead to summer, I also asked ScotRail what resources they will once again contribute towards the joint efforts to deal with the regular Inverkip beach problems.