Highlands and Islands MSP, Edward Mountain is calling on Transport Scotland, Highland Council and HITRANS for more clarity on transport provision between Inverness Airport and the proposed Inverness Airport Railway Station.
Edward Mountain has made this call today following a meeting with Network Rail.
Plans were submitted in December for a two platform station near Dalcross to accommodate 6 carriage trains, with step-free access via footbridge with lifts and parking for 64 cars. The proposals include a double-track section through station to increase capacity on the line.
Edward Mountain MSP commented:
“I am very grateful to Network Rail for meeting with me today. I am really supportive of the proposed Inverness Airport Rail Station and I am delighted that this project is moving forward, with an indicative completion date of December 2022.
“This project will not be cheap and it is likely it could cost in excess of £15m. For that price it is vital that the new station fully meets the needs of Highlanders from day one.
“I am therefore concerned that there remains a serious lack of clarity on what options will be available for passengers to transfer from the station to the airport.
“We still don’t know if there will be a shuttle bus in operation between the station and the airport. It’s time we heard far more from Transport Scotland, the Highland Council and HITRANS on this issue.
“Whilst I welcome the active travel infrastructure being put in place at the station, we cannot expect all passengers to walk or cycle to the airport especially when it is raining.
“We need to make travelling between the station and airport as easy as possible. The last thing Highlanders and tourists will want is a replica of the problems experienced at Dyce Railway Station.
“The new station must be linked up to the airport with regular services otherwise it will not meet its full potential.”
