Re-opened Glasgow-E'boro route thru Bathgate

I understand this route re-opened this week, having had no passenger service for 56 years. Any news on its success, or otherwise? Ridership figures? Any info will be greatly appreciated. Sam

Semaphore Sam wrote:I understand this route re-opened this week, having had no passenger service for 56 years. Any news on its success, or otherwise? Ridership figures? Any info will be greatly appreciated. Sam

It has been rebuilt - track replaced in some sections where it had been removed. The former industry of coal mines has gone so there will probably be no freight for this line. It has been electrified. There are new stations to reflect the change in population since it was closed.

The Edinburgh-Bathgate section was reopened at least 20 years ago and was a success. Bathgate of course includes a New Town as a source of passengers, going to Edinburgh.

One interesting thing will be to see whether the electrified line will take passengers away from the main line, still diesel. The main line is the most intensely worked diesel line in the country. It is due to be electrified. Presumably the Airdrie-Bathgate line can be used as a backup when the main line has to be closed for erecting poles and wire. The main line goes to Glasgow Queen Street while the other routes go to Central.

There are now two electrified lines already connecting Edinburgh and Glasgow. The existing one was the mainly InterCity line via Carstairs - not exactly the most direct and not very convenient for commuters.