£20m package set to boost rail comfort

Published on 20/12/2006 00:35

PASSENGERS are to benefit from refurbished interiors in two train fleets and improvements to two thirds of Scotland's stations as part of a £20 million spending package.

More than half the Scottish Executive funding will be used to overhaul 45 First ScotRail trains which run on lines in the Highlands and south west Scotland, including routes popular with tourists.

This will include new seats with more legroom, new lighting, extra luggage space and cycle racks, upgraded toilets and space for wheelchairs.

First ScotRail said doubling the cycle spaces on Highland trains to four may cut the need to transport passengers' bikes by road because of demand.

Trains which run on lines between Glasgow and Oban, Fort William, Mallaig, Stranraer and Dumfries will also have carpets, which are already fitted to other Highland trains.

The rest of the cash will go towards security, ticketing and car park improvements at 241 of the country's 341 stations.

This includes CCTV cameras, intercoms, information screens and ticket machines. Fort William station will see a 700,000 upgrade to benefit tourists.

Robert Samson, a spokesman for Passenger Focus, the official rail watchdog, said: "This investment can only further enhance public transport as a viable alternative to other modes of travel."

Tavish Scott, the transport minister, who announced the improvements under the new small rail fund, said: "This investment will directly improve passengers' travel experience - ensuring comfortable, high-quality journeys through small, targeted local projects."