Mid-Scotland and Fife MSP Murdo Fraser would like an acceleration of plans to fit all ScotRail trains with power sockets from 2015 onwards.
Within the current ScotRail fleet class 380 trains have power sockets at each table, class 158’s on the Inverness route have outlets in first class sections and 42 of the class 170 trains have sockets fitted in business class areas.
However, there are no plans to fit power sockets on any other trains in the ScotRail fleet during the current franchise, but under the new 2015 franchise agreement first and standard class accommodation must have power sockets fitted.
Commenting Murdo Fraser MSP said:
“Whilst I welcome the move to have all ScotRail trains fitted with power sockets from 2015 I would like to see these improvements brought forward so that more passengers can have access to electricity outlets in the interim period.
“If the rest of Scotland is truly open for business, then our infrastructure must meet the demands of modern business and that means wifi and power outlets on as many train carriages as possible.
“Perth is Scotland’s newest city but needs the physical infrastructure to cope with the demands of business and commerce. A direct rail link with carriages that have wifi and power sockets would go some way to improving Perth’s appeal to global companies.”