Fife trains: MSP’s four rail links Fife needs re-connected to network
A new report has highlighted the huge benefits of re-connecting communities across Fife to the rail network.
Mark Ruskell MSP launched his ‘Breaking the Circle’ strategy at Lindores Abbey last week, and it calls for continued progress on the region’s rail links including opening up Newburgh Station and getting St Andrews on the rail map.
It also pinpointed the huge potential by adding a station to the busy park and ride facility at Halbeath, and getting passenger trains running again on the Alloa-Dunfermline line which is used for freight.
Mr Ruskell, the Green MSP for Mid-Scotland & Fife Region, set out his arguments for the four key rail campaigns in the new blueprint which builds on the original ‘Breaking The Circle’ document published in 2017. He was joined by campaigners, community representatives and Scottish Greens co-leader Ross Greer at the launch in Newburgh.
The report highlighted that the Ladybank to Perth line runs through Newburgh, but, due to a lack of station does not stop there - leaving the community isolated. Studies have shown that a new low cost modular station would offer considerable benefits, in terms of local economic regeneration, connectivity, and other commuting, business and leisure-related opportunities.
It has also been suggested the new station would be a revenue boost for ScotRail, as passenger income should be in excess of the direct operating costs.
Campaign group, StARLink, has also been pushing the case for a station in St Andrews, despite the recent setback when Transport, Fiona Hyslop, said the case for one was not robust enough given the existing bus links from nearby Leuchars station..
Transport Scotland said there was a clearer case for stronger bus-rail integration between St Andrews and Leuchars, but the report said that was “unlikely to be as effective as a dedicated rail station in St Andrews.” It added: “Without its own station, St Andrews remains cut off from the national rail network, and reliant on road-dependent travel options. Taking forward these long-awaited rail enhancement projects will offer greater connectivity to and from Fife, deliver significant transport improvements and economic benefits across the Fife region.”