Lib Dems lead calls for SNP to commit to Aberdeen Crossrail (Aberdeen South & North Kincardine Liberal Democrats)

Aberdeen South & North Kincardine Liberal Democrats <info@aberdeensouthlibdems.org.uk>

Lib Dems lead calls for SNP to commit to Aberdeen Crossrail

March 12, 2009 9:39 AM
Originally published by Scottish Liberal Democrats

Alison McInnes, Aberdeenshire MSP and Liberal Democrat Transport spokesperson will demand the Scottish Government commit to restarting the active development of the Aberdeen Crossrail project immediately.

Liberal Democrats will use their debating time today (Thursday) in the Scottish Parliament to express disappointment that the project was omitted from the Government's transport plans and call for a firm commitment from the SNP to work with Aberdeenshire and Aberdeen City Councils to restart works.

Commenting, Mrs McInnes said:

"The SNP has let down rail passengers in the North East.

"The Scottish Government's failure to include the Aberdeen Crossrail project in their transport plans was a hammer blow to commuters who were expecting a 15 minute service.

"So far, Ministers have tried to muddy the water by pointing to the new Laurencekirk station. But this station is 14 miles south of the Stonehaven, Aberdeen, Inverurie stretch of line, which would have benefited from the Crossrail project.

"The hourly service offered by the Government along this stretch of line is no use to commuters. If the SNP is serious about tempting commuters out of their cars and freeing up Aberdeenshire's congested streets, then they'll have to do better than this.

"I hope North East MSPs from all parties will unite around this call for a key transport project for the region."

Ends.