MSP calls for fresh look at Grangemouth stationFalkirk East MSP Cathy Peattie has called on the Scottish Executive to look at the possibility of a rail passenger service for Grangemouth. Writing to the Minister for Transport, she lists the excellent freight transport facilities available by sea, road and rail via Grangemouth, before noting that "This situation is not mirrored by passenger services. Bus passengers complain about inadequate and unreliable services, yet services are more often threatened with reduction or complete withdrawal than expansion. "Unfortunately," she continues, "although rail is recognised as the most environmentally friendly form of public transport, and despite the freight lobby being keen to stress that freight services can operate harmoniously alongside passenger services, the rail link to Grangemouth does not provide a public transport alternative." "I have raised this before," said Cathy, "and it has become part of campaigns for improved passenger services in Scotland. Given that we have the track already, and that new stations are being built and considered elsewhere, I think the time is right to revisit this proposal, so I have written to urge the Minister to take a fresh look at introducing passenger services." (January 2007) |
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