318 and Counting....

Archive Sections
	General News
	Local Groups' Activities
	Business & Finance
	Property Pointers
	Travel & Getaway
	Health & Wellbeing
	Art, Media & Craft
	Music / Performance
	Event Reviews
	Wildlife/Environment
	Sporting Activities
	Horticulture
	Hoots and Havers
	Guest Columns
	Useful Links
	Comment Online

First ScotRail Slammed Over Local Travellers' Concerns

North Tayside MSP John Swinney has called for an urgent meeting with First Scotrail to discuss the huge increase in rail fares in Highland Perthshire.

He had previously made representations to the company following the hike in train fares, particularly those routes travelling from Highland Perthshire into Perth. However, he has noted the rail operator is quite simply not listening to the residents of Perthshire at all:

“I am hugely disappointed in the response which I received from the management of First Scotrail, and their distinct failure to defend their actions despite a great deal of public disharmony over the hike in rail fares," said the MSP.

“They are arguing their case on the basis of an underpricing error a number of years ago, but this is to avoid the real issue. The fact is, my constituents have been faced with an unaffordable price rise of more than 100%, inevitably leading to a reliance on cars, which many of my constituents simply do not have."

He continued: “First Scotrail should address the fact that they have made an error of judgement on this particular issue and listen to the people of Highland Perthshire, bringing the cost of a rail ticket down to a reasonable level.

“I have asked First Scotrail for a face to face meeting on this matter so that the residents of the area can have their case presented directly to the management. I hope that this will be agreed to and we can start to make some headway on the issue.