A call has been made to improve the transport infrastructure in the east of Scotland.
Councillor Mike Barnacle, the independent representative for Kinross-shire, said recent traffic problems caused by the closure of the Forth Road Bridge and changes to bus services have highlighted the “woeful attention” given to any “vision” for improving transport links.
Mr Barnacle said the Scottish Government should ensure all inter-city bus operators “adequately” service park and ride facilities.
“I fail to understand why Transform Scotland’s proposals to create a new inter-city rail hub at Perth and a direct rail link from there to Edinburgh are not met with more enthusiasm by Perth and Kinross Council and the Scottish Government,” he said.
“The rail journey from Edinburgh to Perth is currently slower than it was 100 years ago.
“This is a pathetic state of affairs and needs to be addressed.”
His views have been backed by Liz Smith, Scottish Conservative MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife.
She said: “The recent closure of the Forth Road Bridge has demonstrated why improving the rail network is so important and that local residents and the business community are quite rightly angry that the Scottish Government is failing to act to bring our local rail network into the 21st Century.
“I have been campaigning for some time for the SNP Scottish Government to commission a new feasibility study to look at re-opening a direct Edinburgh to Kinross to Perth railway line.”
She added: “The SNP have made many pledges to improve the rail network for communities north of the central belt, most of which they have not delivered or scrapped.
“Scottish Conservatives are determined to deliver for Scotland a modern transport network that is essential to improving people’s lives, growth and business, and deliver a transport system that works for the 21st Century.”
A spokesman for Transport Scotland said the Scottish Government is investing £5 billion in the nation’s railways up to 2019 and claimed it is committed to improving rail connectivity.
“We are willing to consider proposals for new services where there is clear evidence of benefits, subject to affordability and a suitable business case being identified,” he said.
“We wish to encourage operators and authorities to work together in the interests of passengers.
“Legislation is currently before the Scottish Parliament to increase the period of advance notice which operators of local bus services are required to give authorities for any planned changes.
“This allows time for meaningful discussion on the implications of changes and to plan accordingly to minimise any disruption or seek alternative options in the run up to service changes.
“We will carefully monitor the use of the new legislation and if partnership working is not evident then we will consider what further action might be appropriate.”