Mid-Scotland and Fife MSP Murdo Fraser has welcomed calls to open nine new railway stations in Perth and Kinross, Fife, Stirling and Clackmannanshire.
Railfuture Scotland have released detailed proposals calling for the opening of 50 new stations across the country as well as a faster electrification programme and an improvement in the signal network to prevent delays.
An extra nine new stations in Mid-Scotland and Fife would result in an additional one million people using these stations.
New stations would include, Bridge of Earn and Oudenarde in Perth and Kinross, Windygates, Levenmouth, Sinclairtown and Dysart in Fife, Bannockburn in Stirling and Cambus in Clackmannanshire.
Commenting Murdo Fraser MSP said:
“With the ScotRail franchise under new management there is a tremendous opportunity for the Scottish Government to invest in Scotland’s rail network.
“Nine new stations in Mid-Scotland and Fife would boost the local economy and act as a driver for inward investment.
“Proposed new stations in Fife would result in an additional half a million passengers travelling through these stations, which would reduce carbon emissions and ease congestion.
“New stations at Bridge of Earn and Oudenarde would ease traffic through Perth and could also help encourage businesses to expand from Perth city centre bases.
“The Scottish Government have lacked ambition and vision with our rail network. Without real change it will never be a credible alternative to travelling by car, and the Scottish Government would do well to consider these proposals.”