Fife MSP Claire Baker is pushing for a meeting with Scotland’s new transport minister to ensure the bid for a new Levenmouth rail link remains on track.
The Labour MSP has written to Humza Yousaf, who was appointed to the role after the election in May.
Her intervention has been welcomed by members of the Levenmouth Rail Campaign (LMRC), who have now collected more than 9,000 signatures on a petition calling for the return of trains to the area.
The Leven to Thornton line closed in 1969 and Levenmouth is now the largest conurbation in Scotland not served by rail, despite calls by campaign groups, Fife Council and MSPs.
Mrs Baker said: “During the election I stood on a pledge for the reintroduction of the Levenmouth rail link.
“I was also successful in lobbying to have the pledge included in my party’s manifesto.
“Despite the election result I am still committed to pushing for its reintroduction due to the clear benefits it would bring to the area.”
She added: “The Levenmouth Rail Campaign groun has led the way in securing the backing of locals and Fife Council.
“Gaining the support of the Scottish Government will be a major step forward.”
The mid Scotland and Fife MSP said it was disappointing that this backing had so far failed to materialise and that a clear commitment was not given by the SNP leadership in the lead up to the Scottish Parliament election.
The SNP manifesto pledged to support 15 different rail projects but did not mention Levenmouth.
“However, with a new transport minister in place I am hopeful that he will see the clear benefits and the financial case for reintroduction of the rail link,” said Mrs Baker.
“Everyone who wants to see the rail link delivered now has the opportunity to make sure the project is one of the top priorities in the new minister’s in-tray.”