Perthshire North MSP John Swinney has written to rail chiefs requesting they consider arranging for more trains to call at Blair Atholl Station.
Mr Swinney reckons too few trains stop to pick up passengers heading south at present and has asked Abelio ScotRail managers to see if more services can be arranged for locals wanting to take a train to Perth and beyond in the future.
The SNP MSP says just four southbound trains stop at the station under the current timetable compared to nine heading in the opposite direction and “significant gaps” between southbound trains is making life difficult for residents.
Southbound trains only stop at Blair Atholl at 7.12am, 2.21pm, 8.24pm and 10pm at present.
Mr Swinney said: “It is vital that those living in rural areas have access to quality, reliable public transport.
“With gaps of over seven hours between trains, it is clear that the infrequency of the current southbound service is making it more difficult for Blair Atholl residents to travel to Perth.
“This difficulty may be felt particularly acutely if a local resident is required to travel for a medical appointment and does not have a car.
“After being contacted by constituents regarding this issue, I have now raised their concerns directly with Abellio ScotRail.
“I am hopeful that they will consider an expansion of services and I am keen to engage further with management on this matter going forward.”
A ScotRail spokesperson said: “We thank Mr Swinney for his correspondence as it’s important for us to engage with stakeholders and local politicians, gaining valuable feedback from their constituents.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has changed how people travel across all of Scotland. We are designing new timetables to accommodate future levels of passenger demand whilst providing the taxpayer with best value for money.
“As part of this work we will look to provide Blair Atholl and the other stations on the Highland Main Line with a better distribution of services across the day.”
