The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
St Andrews transport links review
Alist of options to improve transport links to and from St Andrews is to be considered in more detail after the case for change was approved by Transport Scotland.
The return of heavy rail to the Fife town for the first time since the 1960s is one option on the table.
The use of light rail and a possible park-and-ride site along the A91 are also on the cards. It follows research by transport consultancy Stantec, as part of the Scottish Tr a n s p o r t Appraisal Guidance process.
The study has been welcomed by campaigners who have been pushing for the reinstatement of passenger ser vices for decades.
The St Andrews Rail Link (StARLink) campaign said the situation at present meant a range of transportrelated problems for those travelling to and from the town.
“All travel is road-based and the over whelming majority of journeys are not taken by bus but by car,” said a spokesman.
“Investing in improved transport links to St Andrews and improved transport arrangements within the town will help the town and Scotland’s visitor profile keep pace with its international competitors, whilst improving the visitor experience and quality of life for residents.”
The spokesman went on: “Tr a n s p o r t S c o t l a n d ’s acceptance of the case for change is an acknowledgement that the status quo is not an option – and indeed the vulnerability of St Andrews due to essential roadworks and the increased influx of cars due to C o v i d -1 9 restrictions have confirmed that the town’s transport system is inadequate.”
The 17 9 - p a g e report looks at various measures such as fully segregated cycle routes b e tw e e n St Andrews and Leuchars, where the nearest train station is sited; possible improvements to bus and coach transport; and town centre traffic management improvements such as reduced on-street parking, pedestrianised areas and expanded charging areas.
It raises the possibility of a hybrid heavy/light rail option which would see a heavy rail route run to St Andrews to a station near the university, and a light rail extension to the town’s bus station and beyond to the Botanic Gardens and an A91 parkand-ride facility.
That would use Tramtrains – light rail vehicles that can share mainline railway lines with conventional heavy trains, and are seen as a much more cost effective option.
Ma r k Ru s k e l l , Mi d - Scotland and Fife Green MSP, has welcomed the report and praised StARLink and the community for their efforts.
“It’s clear there is a growing traffic problem in St Andrews, and a rail link would be one of the most significant ways to get many of these cars off the road,” he said.