EDC gets behind new rail station
MORE calls have been made for a rail station to be built between Hillfoot and Milngavie.
East Dunbartonshire Council is backing plans for an Allander stop to meet the needs of people who will move into the area once the Kilmardinny redevelopment gets underway.
That would see around 550 new homes being built between Milngavie and Hillfoot in Bearsden - and calls are growing for a new station with decent parking provision to be created to accommodate a huge hike in commuter numbers.
The council is backing an Allander rail halt as part of its submission to Transport Scotland’s consultation on the future of the country’s train services.
Last week, pressure group Railfuture Scotland urged commuters to take part and to back the new station.
Depute council leader Billy Hendry said: “East Dunbartonshire Council is very much in favour of promoting sustainable transport, particularly rail, and this public consultation is an ideal opportunity for us to make valid recommendations to Transport Scotland.
“We are calling for a fares policy that encourages more people to travel by rail thereby reducing road based congestion and emissions. The council also recommends appropriate facilities are provided at all stations in the locality including improved car parking, sheltered waiting areas and CCTV, and that travel information for passengers is enhanced.”
A further recommendation, based on a 31 per cent increase in the number of rail passengers travelling through the six stations in the council area from 2004 to 2010, which equates to 890,000 extra passenger journeys, calls for new rail halts to be developed at Woodilee, Westerhill and Allander.
Councillor Hendry added: “A high number of East Dunbartonshire’s residents commute to Glasgow daily and many of them have expressed a great desire for extra rail halts to be developed in the area.
“Not only would these alleviate pressure on other stations but it’s also a clear case for reducing travel by car to the city and thereby reducing road congestion and emissions.”
The Rail 2014 – Public Consultation is being undertaken by Transport Scotland on behalf of the Scottish Government.
The consultation period will close on 20 February 2012.
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Friday 25 May 2012
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