A SOUTH Scotland MSP has urged the Scottish Government to ensure that the area is not overlooked when deciding where to build new railway stations.
A recent investigation by Railfuture Scotland estimates that potential new stations across the region could attract more than 700,000 passenger journeys annually.
Railfuture is a voluntary, independent organisation campaigning for better rail services for passengers and freight.
Green MSP Laura Moodie warned that current assessments can disadvantage rural proposals because they focus heavily on total passenger numbers without giving sufficient weight to the longer car journeys that improved rail connections could replace.
The issue of improved rail travel was raised at the Scottish Parliament this week, with Conservative MSP Liam Kerr asking the government what criteria it uses when assessing proposals for new railway stations.
Speaking in parliament, Ms Moodie said: “Railfuture Scotland anticipates a minimum annual usage of more than 700,000 at potential new stations across South Scotland, including Mauchline, Hurlford and Cumnock.
“What specific criteria will be used to prioritise rail infrastructure investment in rural regions like South Scotland, where total users may be lower, but car kilometres saved is significantly higher than in urban areas?”
Minister for business and fair work, Tom Arthur, has previously said: "Rail proposals are considered by Transport Scotland on the basis of robust business cases that are developed in line with Scottish transport appraisal guidance and Transport Scotland’s guidance on the development of business cases, as well as other Scottish Government priorities, such as our rail investment strategy, and affordability.
"The Scottish Government remains committed to enhancing Scotland’s rail network.
"As well as what is set out in STAG and in Transport Scotland’s guidance on the development of business cases, we have to take into account wider government priorities and affordability.
"In doing so, however, we must recognise the differential impact that investment can have in rural and urban areas."
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Railfuture's estimations found that a new station in Cumnock could draw in an anticipated minimum annual usage of 200,000 passengers, while Mauchline's numbers could be around 120,000.
Following the exchange, MSP Ms Moodie said: “Communities across Ayrshire deserve serious consideration of the case for new railway stations.
“Rural projects should not be dismissed simply because they may attract fewer passengers than stations in densely populated cities.
"In fact, in terms of road kilometres saved, rail is a better alternative in rural areas for replacing longer car journeys. This reduces emissions while connecting people to employment, education and other essential services.
“The Scottish Government must assess the wider social, economic and environmental benefits of these proposals, rather than allowing rural communities to lose out through a narrow focus on passenger totals.
“Reopening stations in South Scotland can give communities new opportunities, reduce dependence on cars and make South Scotland better connected. I will continue pressing the government to give these proposals the detailed and fair assessment they deserve.”
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