LOCAL train services are back in focus again today as figures reveal the extent of disruption experienced by passengers using the two local lines.

Statistics released to the Tele under freedom of information laws show that some form of disruption was recorded on at least one service on the Gourock to Glasgow line on no fewer than 199 days last year, with a delay recorded on the Wemyss Bay to Glasgow line on 141 days.

While thousands of trains in Inverclyde last year were either cancelled, late or failed to meet key performance metrics according to latest figures, ScotRail bosses have defended themselves and say that this must be seen in the wider context of running over 35,000 services locally.

While factors outwith their control such as weather obviously play a part, clearly there is still room for improvement and they should be looking to drive the level of disruption down wherever possible.

Reliability is critical when it comes to persuading people to use public transport and has to be made a top priority if we are to get more passengers on the railway again following the drop-off after the Covid pandemic.

Hopefully the timetable changes which have just been announced will help in that endeavour, with faster services on the Gourock-Glasgow track and extra trains running between Wemyss Bay and the city.

It is also encouraging to hear that ScotRail have told local politicians they will be monitoring the Inverclyde lines to keep on top of any reliability issues that could emerge after the timetable changes kick in.