Transport Scotland has announced plans to spend £3m on improving passenger facilities on the rail network and increasing accessibility on trains and in stations.
The £3.13m funding was awarded through the Scottish Government’s Programme for Government, announced last month by first minister Nicola Sturgeon.
Humza Yousaf
Transport minister Humza Yousaf said: ‘This extra funding recognises our commitment to improving accessibility and passenger experience across the rail network. It complements the overall £5bn investment that the Scottish Government is making in Scotland’s railways to 2019 and will mean more people will be able to take the train in greater comfort than ever before.’
ScotRail’s managing director, Phil Verster, said: ‘This investment in improving rail facilities – both on-train and around our stations – is what makes customer experience all the more positive.'
Transport Scotland said the new funds would enhance passenger experience on routes across the network, as well as complementing existing franchise commitments designed to boost tourism and the economy.
Specific investments include:
- a new ticket office at Blairhill station
- ticket vending machines to be installed at the 10 busiest stations yet to have one
- upgraded air conditioning system across Class 158 trains
- additional passenger counting equipment installed on trains across the ScotRail fleet to help target overcrowding
- upgraded wi-fi equipment and installation of tables for wheelchair areas on the new Class 385 trains introduced from Autumn 2017
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