Labour pledge new Glasgow to Edinburgh express train service.

The party is launching its election manifesto today and has included the transport plan to add to existing services between the country’s two biggest cities. 

Anas Sarwar, party leader, who hopes to become first minister on May 8 said it is part of a new £2bn plan to upgrade rail and deliver a new intercity rail corridor with fast electric trains linking Scotland’s cities. 

Labour said it will work with ScotRail and Network Rail to implement a second express rail service. 

The proposed new service will run on routes between Edinburgh and Glasgow Central via Shotts, providing additional capacity and greater connectivity between the two cities as well as a more convenient service for passengers. 

Services currently run from Queen Street to Edinburgh via Falkirk High, the quickest between the cities and another from Glasgow Central via Shotts but takes longer. 

Labour wants to introduce a faster service from Glasgow Central 

Sarwar said: “The SNP has neglected Scotland’s rail network for too long and failed to deliver the reliable links across our cities. 

“More convenient and speedy links between Glasgow and Edinburgh will connect people, support businesses and help both of these cities thrive. 

“That's why Scottish Labour will deliver a new express service between Edinburgh and Glasgow Central to build on the existing services. 

 "We will make trains as affordable and accessible as possible – easing congestion on the motorways, supporting local economies and saving workers time. 

"This will be good for the commuters able to get to work more easily, the friends and families better connected, and the businesses able to attract more custom.” 

The party launches its manifesto today ahead of the election on May 7. 

At the last election in 2021 Labour had four Glasgow MSPs elected on the regional list, while the SNP won all of the city’s constituency seats. 

Two years ago Labour won all of the Glasgow seats at the General Election giving the party hope it can take Holyrood seats back from the SNP. 

Sarwar added: “Scottish Labour is ready to deliver a better future Glasgow and a better rail network for Scotland. 

“On May 7 only Scottish Labour can end the SNP’s broken status quo and deliver the change our community needs.” 

On Saturday, the Glasgow Times reported on John Swinney’s pledge to for the Scottish Government take over the maintenance costs of the Clyde Tunnel from the City Council. 

It was part of a range of pledges he said would bring investment to Glasgow.