In parliament, Mid-Scotland and Fife MSP Murdo Fraser, has questioned the Scottish Government’s progress on reducing journey times on the Highland Mainline.
In 2007 the SNP promised that journey times would be reduced by up to 45 minutes on the main rail artery between Edinburgh and Inverness. Despite this pledge, journey times on average have only reduced by 9 minutes and the Monday- Friday service between Inverness and the capital is actually taking longer than it did in 2007.
Rural locations are getting left behind, and Murdo believes that the Scottish Government’s ambition is not matching the reality of having to use public transport in rural areas.
This week, the Chief Executive of Scotrail promised better Wi-Fi, catering and reduced congestion as top priorities for the immediate future.
Commenting Murdo Fraser MSP said:
“It’s taken 8 long years for the Scottish Government to reduce journey times by 9 minutes, if this speed of progress continues it will be another 32 years before the Scottish Government meets their target.
“This isn’t good enough and it is high time the SNP matched their rhetoric with results.
“Rural areas particularly those in Highland Perthshire are poorly served by digital and physical infrastructure and the Scottish Government is failing to equip rural Scotland for 21st century living.
“If we are serious about creating jobs and investment for all of Scotland, not just the central belt, then there needs to be greater urgency and speedier progress in making sure public transport is viable in rural locations.”