21.06.12
New Scottish rail plans to be announced
Scottish transport minister Keith Brown is to outline his plans for train services ahead of the current rail contract ending in 2014.
Reforms suggested in a Transport Scotland consultation include a blanket ban on alcohol on trains, raising fares on routes which have benefited from improvements, removal of first class services and providing additional capacity for overcrowding.
Proposals to cut sleeper services have already been dismissed, but recommendations to consider increasing the time passengers may have to stand could be implemented.
Scot Rail, part of First Group, currently holds the franchise.
In May, a separate investigation of rail services by the Scottish Parliament's infrastructure committee recommended tougher targets to tackle the problem of late-running trains, while arguing there was a “strong case” for having a longer franchise period – suggesting 10 years, with a three-year extension.
Brown will make a statement to MSPs later today outlining the plans.
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