Minister commits to better rail links for Broughty Ferry - more to be done says local councillor

Scotland’s Transport Minister Fiona Hyslop MSP has responded to calls by Broughty Ferry councillor Craig Duncan for better Broughty Ferry rail station timetable and facilities by giving an assurance of timetable improvements ahead.

Ms Hyslop, in response to correspondence from Councillor Duncan, said:

“With respect to direct services to Edinburgh and Glasgow, improvement works are taking place over the next few years to reduce intercity journey times between Aberdeen and the Central Belt.  Once completed, these improvement works will allow ScotRail to run a direct hourly Aberdeen to Glasgow service calling at all intermediate stations between Stirling and Aberdeen, except Golf Street and Barry Links which will retain their existing service.”

Councillor Duncan said that any rail timetable improvement that included and hourly service and direct journeys is to be welcomed particularly as journeys from Broughty Ferry usually require a train change at Dundee.  However, also having direct services to Edinburgh are needed and on that the Transport Minister responded :

“ScotRail has explored amending the current timetable to operate both Arbroath to Glasgow and Arbroath to Edinburgh direct services.   Unfortunately, there was no way to achieve this without negatively impacting larger numbers of customers elsewhere on the network or worsening the attractiveness of service at Carnoustie, Monifieth and Broughty Ferry through increased journey times or very irregular journey times.”

Councillor Duncan said:

 “I have long campaigned for a better rail timetable covering the station at Broughty Ferry and for better facilities at Broughty Ferry station.    Improvements to the timetable are always welcome but the commitment to hourly direct trains to Glasgow must come sooner rather than later and I think ScotRail really must do all it can to ensure there are also direct services to Edinburgh too.

 “I am also keen to see the facilities at the station in Broughty Ferry improved and, to this end, I am pleased that the Transport Minister has agreed to my request to look at improved seating at the station.”

Ms Hyslop advised Councillor Duncan :

“I have asked Transport Scotland to request that ScotRail review the provision of covered seating at Broughty Ferry. Scotland weather is not always the driest and provision of covered seating can be a big help when waiting for a train in poor conditions.”

Councillor Duncan continued:

 “If there is going to be a growth in rail passenger journeys from Broughty Ferry, we need to see other station improvements including a ticket machine and public toilets.  I will continue to press the Transport Minister and Transport Scotland on these necessary improvements.  The minimum passenger number threshold to justify installing a ticket machine really do need to be lowered.”    

“I am also pleased to say that my request for safety tactiles on platform two was successful although more needs to be done at the station and with the train service.     It is a chicken and egg situation – unless you provide the facilities and good timetable, you will not grow the passenger numbers.”   

“Good public transport including the rail network is key to reducing private vehicle use and while train timetable improvements at Broughty Ferry are welcome, more needs to be done if rail travel is to increase in the years ahead.”