Commonwealth station investment announced

The Scottish government has pledged an extra £1 million to upgrade key railway stations ahead of the 2014 Commonwealth Games.

Glasgow Queen Street low level, Charing Cross and High Street will all benefit from the investment, which will double the £1 million programme of improvements already planned for 20 stations across Strathclyde.

Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, who announced the investment during a visit to Glasgow Queen Street station, said: “Almost 20 million commuters already use these three key Glasgow’s stations every year – this investment will deliver a £2m transformation of these, and other, stations, boosting capacity and improving accessibility.

“The 2014 Games will be a huge event, attracting visitors from across the world, and these stations will be gateways to Glasgow as well as the Commonwealth Games.”

ScotRail managing director Steve Montgomery said: “We recognise the importance of public transport and the part it will play in delivering a positive impression for those visiting Glasgow during the Games.

“We have a host of improvements planned including more seats and additional train services, as well as upgrades and enhancements at some of our stations.

“Our team will be working hard to ensure that we offer the highest standards of service to everyone who travels to the Games with ScotRail during Glasgow 2014.”

Transport Scotland secured the funding boost from First as part of the five-month continuation of the rail franchise announced in December.