The announcement that Perth railway station will be one of the first to benefit from free wi-fi was welcomed by John Swinney, MSP for Perthshire North.
Perth has been named as one of 25 stations in Scotland that will see the service installed by December. Wi-fi will also be installed at Gleneagles station as part of its refurbishment in time for next year’s Ryder Cup.
The expansion of wi-fi is the latest phase in the Scottish Government’s long-term ambition to provide the service across Scotland’s railways. The aim is to have all 38 of ScotRail’s Class 380 trains with wi-fi by March next year.
Mr Swinney said: “This is an excellent announcement and one that I am sure will be welcome news to the many people who use Perth station on a regular basis.
“As one of the key junctions on Scotland’s rail network, it is appropriate that Perth station should be at the forefront of this innovative investment in support of our business and tourist travellers.”
He continued: “This connectivity investment in Gleneagles station, added to the broader refurbishment there, will ensure an appearance and infrastructure consistent with hosting a global event such as the Ryder Cup.”
Mr Swinney said that, by giving passengers “easy access” to high-speed internet at Perth and Gleneagles stations and on board trains, journeys will become “more pleasant” for leisure passengers, as well as “more efficient” for business commuters.
“This announcement is the latest demonstration of the Scottish Government’s commitment to improving the infrastructure of Scotland and will, I’m sure, be universally welcomed,” he added.
Dundee, Dunfermline Town and Kirkcaldy stations will also benefit from the introduction of free wi-fi, which will allow access to email, web browsing and the use of social media sites, such as Facebook and Twitter.
Liz Smith, Scottish Conservative MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife, also welcomed the announcement.
She said: “ I know that many local residents commute from Perth station to work in other cities. Improved wi-fi connection will allow many business commuters to remain connected and work while travelling.
“Improved wi-fi will, arguably, also encourage more people to travel by rail.”