Is Ross-shire 'party train' set to get back on track?
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A BID to get a late night Ross-shire 'party train' back on track has been given a fresh head of steam by hundreds of locals voicing support in response to our online poll.
Local MSP Kate Forbes is hopeful the late-night service from Inverness to Tain, withdrawn during the coronavirus pandemic, can be restarted – and she's not alone.
Some 86 per cent of people responding to our online poll backed a return of the 11.33pm Friday and Saturday night service.
SEE ALSO: Ross MSP presses case for return of late-night train
And it has emerged that ScotRail – who have pledged to keep the matter under reviews – are in talks with Transport Scotland.
Forbes has been lobbied by constituents keen to avoid hefty taxi fares and make the best use of public transport while enjoying a night out in the Highland capital.
She wants to see the train operator track the growth of the city's night-time economy by restoring a service that also serves Conon Bridge, Dingwall and a swathe of Easter Ross.
She said: “I understand ScotRail are now in discussions with Transport Scotland about the possibility of reinstating a later train service in the Highlands, and I have written to Transport Scotland to establish where things are at.
"ScotRail have told me they are keeping the matter under review, so talks with Transport Scotland would be a step forward.
“A number of folk have subsequently been in touch to say how difficult it is to get about on public transport in the Highlands, so a later service would be a very positive development – as evidenced by the Ross-shire’s own online poll.
"Of course hard-working train staff are vital to this, and I hope everyone appreciates their ongoing efforts too.”
Scores of respondents to our poll supported the idea with a number outlining the limitations of public transport and the prohibitive cost of relying on taxis if not driving.
Nataline Smith wrote: "Last train was always the preferred option – better than chipping in for a taxi that may or may not be available."
John Dillon wrote: "Most definitely, used to use it at all time, could do with it running a little bit later - say midnight - especially if you are attending a gig at Eden Court by the time you have walked back to the railway station."
Gillian Mason posted: "Yes 100 per cent. It’s terrible that there are so few options in terms of times after 6pm."
Ian Cole though stated: "I prefer to spend my time and money locally. The council is doing more than required to look after the interests of Inverness whilst ignoring everywhere else and I include Dingwall councillors in that."
Linda Thornton wrote: "Yes. Although I know the train staff don't miss it."
Economic consultant Tony Mackay said: "I think the economic implications are mixed. There has certainly been a boost to the local towns and villages in Easter Ross because of the Covid restrictions.
"Local shops, cafes and bars benefitted because local people have been spending more money there than they previously did. That has been at the expense of Inverness, as is evident from the increasing number of empty shops and other premises in the city centre.
"However, I understand why some Easter Ross people want to spend the occasional evening in Inverness.There have been some excellent events recently in Eden Court and the Northern Meeting Park, for example.
"Thus the late night 'party train' would have a negative impact on some Easter Ross businesses but be welcomed by some residents.
Scott Prentice, ScotRail head of business development, said: “We know how much people right across the country rely on rail travel, and that’s why everyone at ScotRail is focused on providing the safest, greenest, and most reliable railway we can.
“Scotland’s Railway is still very much in a period of recovery from the pandemic, and our May timetable change is another stepping stone in that process. As we welcome more people back to the rail network and as passenger numbers increase, we will keep the number of services under regular review.”
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