Wallace makes tracks to see station's longer platform

Published on 27/05/2004 01:00

DEPUTY First Minister Jim Wallace has paid a visit to Dalgety Bay railway station, where work has started to extend the platform.

A 15.6 million Strategic Rail Authority/Scottish Executive joint-funded project is extending platforms at 26 stations on four routes to enable the running of six-car trains, alleviating overcrowding and improving rail passengers’ journeys.

The routes concerned are the Fife Circle and Edinburgh to Bathgate, which are being funded by the SRA, and Edinburgh to Dunblane and Glasgow to East Kilbride, which are being funded by the Scottish Executive. The work is on schedule to be completed at Dalgety Bay by August 17 and on all platforms by the end of September in time for the new trains to come into service.

Mr Wallace, who is also the Enterprise Minister, said during his visit yesterday: "I am delighted to be able to see first-hand the work going on at Dalgety Bay station.

"This is just part of a series of improvements being made to the rail network across Scotland.

"Similar work has already commenced at 15 other stations along key commuter lines.

"Twenty-two new trains have been ordered for the ScotRail fleet, meaning Fife services will see an increase in seating capacity by almost 30 per cent at peak and up to 50 per cent at off-peak times.

"The platform extension works are necessary to accommodate these longer trains and this is why we believe this type of work is so important. These station improvements will be good both for commuters and business."

SRA chairman Richard Bowker said: "The SRA is pleased to be working in partnership with the Scottish Executive in making a major investment in Fife which will deliver long-term benefits for Fife commuters."