Transport plans on track to deliver success for Gleneagles

The Minister was speaking during a visit to Gleneagles Station where he met some of the tournament spectators among the first to purchase their tickets.

Mr Brown welcomed the interest in the additional rail services which will provide 7500 spaces for the Ryder Cup each day. The Minister confirmed this extra capacity, to be provided through dedicated services to the event, and highlighted that fares cost no more than existing standard fares to Gleneagles.

Mr Brown said:

“Scotland will be propelled to a truly international audience during 2014, with spectators in tens of thousands and audiences in their millions watching the Ryder Cup and Commonwealth Games, among other events.

“It is only right we offer a worthy welcome to our visitors including an attractive transport network with sufficient capacity. With the ongoing station upgrades announced earlier this year and these extra spaces, spectators can relax in the knowledge we will get them to the event in comfort and on time.

“This latest commitment is part of a wider package of measures we are implementing to improve public transport for events in the Year of Homecoming 2014. Our overall aim is to encourage as many people as possible to minimise their car journeys while providing a lasting legacy that increases future public transport use.

“I would encourage everyone to take follow the example of the Ryder Cup fans we have met today by planning their journey to the tournament as far in advance as possible.”

Sale of rail tickets opened just over two weeks ago to high demand.

Commenting on the services, ScotRail’s managing director Steve Montgomery said:

“It is great that more than 5,000 golf fans have already planned ahead by buying their rail tickets for the next year’s Ryder Cup.

“It shows the high level of interest in this exciting tournament – and in using trains to get there – among communities right across Scotland.”

Edward Kitson, Match Director for The 2014 Ryder Cup, said:

“This kind of investment in infrastructure is a great example of how hosting The Ryder Cup can bring lasting legacy benefits to the host nation. It is a welcome addition to the work we are putting in to deliver the event and these improvements will make life easier for people travelling to and from Perthshire next year.”

During the visit, the Minister also announced a Scottish Government contribution of £1 million towards the new £3.8 million link road which will improve safety and access between the station and the A9. Perth & Kinross Council, who is managing the project, is contributing £1.5 million together with £1.2m from TACTRAN.

Cllr Ian Miller, Leader of Perth & Kinross Council, said:

“Perth & Kinross Council has been working for many years to secure the improvement of road access to Gleneagles station, making it safer and opening opportunities for a local transport hub. We’re delighted that the project has come to fruition in time for the Ryder Cup. The new link road is a key project in our Legacy programme, ensuring long-term benefits for our residents.”

Councillor Will Dawson, Chair of Tactran said :

“Tactran has worked closely with Perth & Kinross Council, Transport Scotland, First ScotRail and Network Rail to secure delivery of this major enhancement of station facilities at Gleneagles. Through ongoing work on our Tay Estuary Rail Strategy we will continue to work with our partners to build on these infrastructure improvements and ensure lasting legacy benefits for the local community and visitors to the region”.

Whitemountain Quarries has been awarded the contract for the link road which is expected to improve road safety and access between the station and the A9.

Work is expected to start on 11 November 2013 and be completed by June 2014

Gleneagles Station is undergoing a facelift which will see an overhaul of the station buildings, the installation of new lifts to improve platform access, new waiting rooms and toilet facilities. The station will also be completely repainted in Caledonian Railways heritage colours of burgundy and cream, while a temporary footbridge will be installed over the A9 to ensure safe pedestrian access to the course during the Ryder Cup.