ScotRail has delivered on its franchise commitment to spend £40m on improvements by the end of October, 2011.
The train operator’s investment included £20m at stations, with enhancements ranging from CCTV and customer information systems to toilets, waiting rooms and shelters.
In addition, external funding of around £28m was secured for station improvements from Transport Scotland, Network Rail, Regional Transport Partnerships, and local authorities.
ScotRail pledged to deliver this £40m programme by 16 October 2011, the expiry date of its original seven-year franchise.
The franchise extension to November 2014 will see further on-going investment by ScotRail.
Minister for Housing and Transport, Keith Brown said:
“I am pleased to see ScotRail achieve its commitment to reinvest £40m into improving the journey experience of Scotland’s rail users.
“This has helped make stations easier to use and more welcoming.
“I look forward to ongoing investment by ScotRail over the next three years in new services and station facilities which will offer passengers more reasons for switching from car to rail.”
Steve Montgomery, ScotRail’s managing director, said:
“We have delivered on our franchise commitment and are delighted that our partnership approach has also resulted in additional investment.
“It is providing better facilities and better rail services and the environmental and economic benefits that Scotland deserves.”
