Full steam ahead of St Andrews rail link campaign after funding delay

The St Andrews rail link campaign has received a significant boost with the successful resolution of a funding issue.

Transport Scotland has confirmed the allocation of £106,000 to complete a comprehensive options appraisal, and the results are anticipated to be unveiled by the end of March.

This development is being met with great enthusiasm by campaigners who have been tirelessly pushing for a railway connection to St Andrews for several decades, driven by the belief that improved access to the town can reduce car dependency and enhance overall connectivity.

STARLink convener Jane Ann Liston hopes the project will help reduce congestion issues in the town.

The need for a rail link to St Andrews has long been a contentious issue. The campaign, which originated in the 1980s, argues that St Andrews is challenging to access without a car, creating transportation disparities in the region.

Jane says the link would drastically cut journey times:

While the efforts to realise this railway connection faced a hurdle last year when Transport Scotland withheld funds to pay a consultant, the current allocation of £106,000 marks a promising turn of events for the cause.

Several promising options are under consideration to address the transportation challenges in the area. One of the key proposals is a direct rail service between St Andrews and Edinburgh, aiming to facilitate convenient travel between the two prominent locations.

There's an exploration of the feasibility of a St Andrews to Dundee shuttle service. The plan also includes an emphasis on enhanced active travel infrastructure at any new stations, promoting sustainable and eco-friendly mobility solutions.

This will provide residents and visitors the opportunity to make their journeys without the reliance on private vehicles.

Another intriguing proposal is the introduction of a new fixed off-road travel route between St Andrews and Leuchars, potentially in the form of a light rapid transit connection.

This service would be coordinated to align with train arrivals, making transitions between modes of transportation smooth and efficient.

The objectives set by Transport Scotland are at the forefront of these initiatives.

Among these goals is a 10% reduction in car trips without compromising visitor numbers, underscoring the commitment to environmental sustainability.

The campaign aims to facilitate access for more workers to reach St Andrews within an hour without the need for private vehicles.

It seeks to reduce travel times for St Andrews residents heading to major nearby cities like Edinburgh, Dundee, and Kirkcaldy without relying on cars, enhancing regional connectivity and improving the quality of life for local residents.

Jane says it would provide a backup if there were any problems on the A91: