Rail commuters at Portlethen are suffering from a lack of investment at the local station, and North East MSP Alison McInnes is calling on Transport Scotland to take action.

The Liberal Democrat MSP has written to Transport Scotland chief executive David Middleton. She said: “Many voices have been raised in the community that the station could be better used. This station, which re-opened in 1985, has suffered in recent years from a lack of trains stopping to pick up and set down passengers.

“Despite this, between 2009/10 and 2010/11 patronage at Portlethen grew by 21%. Across Scotland over that period the increase was just 4%.

“Some 18,000 passengers a year use the station. I am confident this would rise dramatically if there were a more regular service.”

Local councillor Ian Mollison said: “Although the trains and the stations are operated by ScotRail, in general they can only provide the services required under the franchise from Transport Scotland. There needs to be a political will to invest more in our railway system and take pressure off the local roads.”

Mrs McInnes continued: “I am aware that the North East transport partnership Nestrans has been discussing with ScotRail the possibility additional stops at Portlethen which, with adjustments to the timetable further south, would have little impact on journey times between Aberdeen and Edinburgh/Glasgow.

“I am told that Nestrans is hopeful that some progress may be made when the timetable changes this December.

“As well as the need for more services, there should be more investment at Portlethen station. It is the only one in the North East with no ticket machine. This requires passengers to buy tickets on train – which is difficult – or face great difficulties at Aberdeen when challenged by staff. Residents have told me they feel they are being accused of fare-dodging, which is not the case.

“There also should be CCTV and customer information TV screens at the station. The fares structure particularly to/from Aberdeen needs to be reviewed to ensure that the service is competitive with local buses. Finally, there needs to be a publicity campaign in the locality so that people are aware of the rail services locally.”