SNP must do more to promote public transport

11.12.20am BST (GMT +0100) Wed 24th Sep 2008

Liberal Democrat Transport spokesperson Alison McInnes MSP has welcomed improvements to the East Coast Mainline, but warned that this is only a first step in transforming commuters’ habits.

The Transport Minister used celebrations for the 25th anniversary of the ‘ScotRail’ identity, to outline a package of improvements to services between Edinburgh and Aberdeen, Dundee, Perth and Fife.

Commenting, Mrs McInnes said:

“Ultimately, reducing the journey time between Aberdeen and Edinburgh by 10 minutes will be of no great help to the North East unless it can be complimented with properly integrated local services.

“If the Scottish Government is really committed to encouraging more people to use the train as a real alternative to driving, then it must improve not only capacity, but also reliability and convenience.

“I’m pleased to see that rail passengers from the North East and Fife will soon benefit from an improved service into Edinburgh, but this is only one step towards promoting public transport over the car.”