Gibson welcomes transport statement

News release
Immediate release

18/04/08

Highlands and Islands SNP MSP Rob Gibson has welcomed comments from the Transport Secretary regarding rail services to North and South of Inverness.

Mr Gibson welcomed the announcement of new services between Inverness and Wick and Tain and said he hoped that work could be done to speed up the journey time on the Far North Line.

He also questioned what progress was being made to create a integrated transport experience. The Minister responded that he had raised the issue with Network Rail. He also related his experience of not being able to travel to Wick by train for a meeting. He said by the next time he was due to be in Caithness he hoped that there would be a sensible integrated timetable so that he can could travel there by train.

Mr Gibson said:

"Stewart Stevenson's comments are extremely positive for travelers on the Far North Line. The commitment to extra services and a promise to look at integrated times for the line is good news."

"What we have now is a Transport Minister with a genuine interest and commitment in rail travel in all parts of the country and is rightly scunnered by the state of the Far North Line. I will continue to press the issue of reducing the rail journey time to and from Caithness making it fit for the 21st century."

ENDS