 The times were said to pose problems for some onward passengers |
An MSP has branded rail timetables "barmy" after learning that a service to Aberdeen misses an onward connection to Inverness by just 60 seconds. Moray Scottish National Party MSP Richard Lochhead has called for a change to the First ScotRail timetable.
The 1042 BST Glasgow to Aberdeen train arrives at 1313 BST but the Inverness connection leaves Aberdeen at 1312 BST.
Mr Lochhead said there were problems in trying to reach towns like Elgin. First ScotRail said it faces restrictions.
The MSP said: "First ScotRail have taken leave of their senses.
"I am demanding to know why on earth this ludicrous timetable was implemented. It's 2006 yet, as this case illustrates, we are still light years away from an integrated transport system.
"It's as if First ScotRail have sat down and thought how can they make life as difficult as possible for passengers travelling north from Glasgow who want to make the onward journey from Aberdeen to say Keith or Elgin.
'Suitable timetable'
"For the sake of 60 seconds, the rail company has engineered a situation where passengers arriving in Aberdeen are stranded on the platform watching the Inverness connection disappearing into the distance.
"To have a chance of catching it, passengers have to rely on the trains not running on time."
A First ScotRail spokeswoman told BBC Scotland: "We work closely with Network Rail and industry partners to provide a suitable timetable that meets the requirements of our customers.
"First ScotRail operates regular daily services from the central belt to Aberdeen and Inverness with good onward connection times, providing a number of travel options.
"We would be happy to look at this in our ongoing discussions.
"There are some restrictions as to what can be achieved due to the single line track sections between Aberdeen and Inverness, as well as from Inverness to the north and west, which need to be taken into consideration."
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To have a chance of catching it, passengers have to rely on the trains not running on time
