SMITH SLAMS SNP'S "SHEER CONTEMPT" FOR FIFE RAIL USERS

4.45.00pm GMT Tue 2nd Dec 2008

North East Fife MSP Iain Smith has slammed the SNP government's "sheer contempt" for Fife rail users after receiving a response from the Transport Minister to a Parliamentary Question which said that he was "satisfied that rail fares across all areas of Scotland are broadly equitable.

In his question to the Transport Minister, Stewart Stevenson, Mr Smith asked whether the Scottish Executive considers rail fares in Fife to be fair, compared with the rest of Scotland.

Commenting Iain Smith MSP said:

"The sheer contempt for Fife rail users by the SNP is astounding. I have repeatedly provided the Scottish Government with examples of train fares that are significantly more expensive than those for comparable journeys out-with Fife. Perhaps the SNP would like to get a calculator for Christmas so they are able to start using simple maths.

"The price of a monthly season ticket from Cupar to Edinburgh is £240.40 and is 42.9 miles and takes 1 hour 6 minutes. A journey from Larbert to Edinburgh is 39.6 miles, takes 53 minutes and the monthly ticket costs £149.40 per month. The difference here is £90 per month.

"A journey from Markinch to Edinburgh is 32.9 miles, takes 52 minutes and costs £225.50 per month. A journey from Stirling to Edinburgh is 43.4 miles, takes 56 minutes and costs £172.10 per month. The difference here is £53.40.

"If the SNP think that this staggering price difference is "broadly equitable" then, quite frankly, they are on another planet. Perhaps we shouldn't be surprised that a Transport Minister who can approve an extension to the Scotrail franchise without as much as a documented business case has such little grasp of the unfair fares facing Fifers."

ENDS

Notes to editors:

The text of the Parliamentary Question and subsequent answer:

Index Heading: Finance and Sustainable Growth

Iain Smith (North East Fife) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive , further to the answer to question S3W-17913 by Stewart Stevenson on 18 November 2008, whether it considers rail fares in Fife to be fair, compared with the rest of Scotland.

(S3W-18100)

Mr Stewart Stevenson :

I am satisfied that rail fares across all areas of Scotland are broadly equitable.