Shire rail improvements a good first step

5.11.00pm GMT Mon 22nd Sep 2008

Alison McInnes at Aberdeen train station

Aberdeenshire MSP Alison McInnes has welcomed the improvements to rail services in the North East announced by the Transport Minister today, but has warned that there is still more that must be done.

The improvements, which will be introduced from December, include an hourly service between Inverurie and Aberdeen, with more frequent services during morning and evening peaks, as well as a half-hourly service between Aberdeen and Dundee, and improved journey times to Edinburgh.

Commenting, Mrs McInnes said: "I'm delighted to see that the Minister has heeded my calls and committed to a more regular train service from Inverurie into the city. This will be an excellent first step in encouraging commuters to leave their cars at home.

"It is important, however, that the Minister doesn't regard the job of improving rail services in the North East as complete. I want to see the train become the automatic choice for commuting from outside the city, but to do that we not only need more regular services, but also increased capacity, and properly integrated connections.

"Passengers from Inverurie will be rightly pleased with the improved service. The next step is helping those from Kintore and the rest of Aberdeenshire benefit as well."

The Minister's announcement is available at http://www.transportscotland.gov.uk/news/Minister-25-years-ScotRail-network-major-boost-east-coast-services