Improved train services between Invergowrie and Dundee will bring huge benefits to the Perthshire community, says a local councillor.
Carse of Gowrie representative Councillor Mac Roberts admits he was surprised but ”delighted” by news five more trains will stop daily at Invergowrie Station from December.
The plans, announced by ScotRail on Wednesday, could see dozens of vehicles removed from local roads and provide residents with a viable alternative to driving to Dundee.
Mr Roberts said news of the extra services had come out of the blue, admitting he originally feared Invergowrie could even lose its rail link.
”I wouldn’t have been surprised if there were plans to close Invergowrie station so I’m absolutely delighted by this,” he said.
”It probably takes about five minutes to get to the centre of Dundee by train, while by car it could take about 20 minutes.
”If a service is provided at the right times then people will use it.
”The bus service has been cut, especially on a Sunday, but in losing on one hand we are getting something really good with the other in this improved train service.”
Another station on the edge of Dundee Broughty Ferry will also benefit from improved rail links in December, with two additional trains stopping daily.
The ScotRail winter timetable says two new evening services will connect the community with Edinburgh and Aberdeen. However, these will both be outwith commuting hours.
Local councillor Ken Guild, also the leader of Dundee City Council, said the new connections were proof the Broughty Ferry public were behind their local station.
”I’ve had lots of positive feedback from people who have used the station,” he said. ”It was said at the beginning it would be a small start with the number of trains increasing. I think is now beginning to happen.
”I’m very pleased to hear about Invergowrie as well as it can be very useful for servicing Ninewells.
”I wouldn’t expect a network service for Broughty Ferry but it seems as though the initial project is expanding and I’m pleased to hear that.”
Other railway stations on Scotland’s east coast have also benefitted from the new services, with Carnoustie receiving four more trains daily between Monday and Saturday and Laurencekirk and Stonehaven receiving an additional connection to Glasgow.
Steve Montgomery, ScotRail’s managing director, said: ”The new timetable provides real benefits by improving frequency, journey times and connections on routes across the country. It encourages more people than ever to switch to rail.”
The new services will start on December 9.
Transport Minister Keith Brown also welcomed the new services.
”Rail travel in Scotland is on the rise as more people come to realise the benefits of letting the train take the strain,” he said. ”These service enhancements will encourage new passengers and help current passengers to get out earlier, stay out later and get around more frequently.”