Almost £4 million is to be spent modernising Perth railway station in the wake of criticism from some rail users and politicians.
Several commuters have contacted The Courier to express their disappointment at the state of the station, which has also been slammed by MSPs Roseanna Cunningham and Murdo Fraser.
Perth railway station was designed by Sir William Tite of London and built between 1847-48. But some passengers feel it has been allowed to fall below standards expected in recent years.
One Perth rail user, who wished to remain anonymous, said, “I feel that Perth railway station could do with an overall revamp to bring it in line with other railway stations. There aren’t many facilities there and the general state is tatty.”
Dave Samson (37), of Perth, added, “Perth railway station is in a bad state it’s been badly neglected in my opinion. When you see the money that’s being spent on Waverley Station in Edinburgh it just shows what can happen. The station here badly needs investment.”
Perth and Kinross Council have plans to integrate a rail/bus terminus allowing a walk on/walk off service, but concerns have been raised over the cost.
However, ScotRail have said more than £1 million has been spent on the station in the last five years, on a range of enhancements. And there are plans, totalling around £3.8 million, for further improvements.
A ScotRail spokeswoman said, “The enhancements have included a car park expansion, a new ticket vending machine, automatic doors, a raise and lower counter, lighting upgrade and CCTV installation.
“Public toilets at the station are being refurbished and are due to be completed by the end of this month.”
She continued, “There are also plans to install a new footbridge with three lifts by the end of 2012, at a cost of around £3.8 million, via the Department for Transport’s Access for All scheme.
“In recent years, Perth Station has seen a number of improvements and is set to benefit further from the installation of a new footbridge and lifts.”
She added, “When the new timetable is launched in December this year, customers at Perth will also be able to take advantage of improved services to and from Glasgow, Dundee and Inverness.”