Dundee’s commuter stations will not get an hourly rail service but trains will run between Perth and Inverness every 60 minutes.
The mixed news was delivered by Abellio ScotRail, who will take over the £2.5 billion rail franchise north of the border from next year.
It was received with disappointment in Dundee where there have been calls for better local services to increase travel options and reduce congestion and pollution on the roads.
It was welcomed in Perth as a boost to the tourist trade by improving transport and providing an alternative to driving on the notorious A9.
The Tactran partnership had earlier urged the five companies bidding to take over the ScotRail franchise next year to stimulate off-peak patronage, with one of the long-term aims being an additional hourly stopping service between Arbroath and Glasgow.
Crucially for Dundee’s commuters, it would take in Carnoustie, Monifieth and Broughty Ferry. A £650,000 station upgrade led to about 20 trains stopping at Broughty Ferry each weekday.
None operate during main commuter times and Tactran pushed for this to be addressed. It is understood none of the five bidders dismissed the Tactran proposal inpre-bid meetings.
Dundee City Council city development convener and Tactran chairman Will Dawson said: “We are to have meetings with Abellio ScotRail to discuss a way forward for rail services in the eastern corridor.”