Highland Trains Must Improve To Encourage Shift From Cars, Say Groups

Trains in the Highlands need upgrades. This would encourage people to drive less. We want people to use public transport more often; it’s called “modal shift.” Using trains should be cheaper, and trains are also better for the environment.

They can make roads safer. Fewer cars might make roads quieter for some. Combining trains with A9 and A96 improvements could boost safety.

A councillor writes from a train to Aberdeen, reporting that the seat system isn’t working and the train car wasn’t cleaned. Disabled seats are blocked, and no food is available on board. Power sockets don’t work on many seats, and the WiFi is bad.

The councillor thinks Scotrail must improve. People in Inverness need better service, so fewer people may drive. Roads could become much safer. Councillors want more train investment, hoping Scotrail will plan upgrades.

Business groups want faster A96 improvements. Inverness and Moray Chambers wrote to Fiona Hyslop, who is in charge of transport for the SNP. They want a clear A96 dualling schedule. Delays cause economic problems now, increase traffic, and risk safety.

Nairn BID backs the Chambers’ effort, seeking a clear schedule for A96 dualling. Many are frustrated by the delays. Nairn residents and businesses need a bypass; they have wanted one for years.