OPPOSITION politicians have welcomed the Scottish Government's decision to match a £50 million offer to safeguard and improve the cross-Border sleeper train service.
Transport Minister Keith Brown said the Scottish commitment will surpass the total investment from the UK Government for the service which connects Inverness, Aberdeen, Fort William, Glasgow and Edinburgh with London.
Scottish Tory leader Ruth Davidson, Charles Kennedy, Liberal Democrat MP for Ross, Skye and Lochaber, and Labour's infrastructure spokesman Richard Baker were among those who welcomed the support from the Scottish Government.
However, there were concerns about a consultation on train services north of the Border, including suggestions that funding for the sleeper could either be improved or withdrawn.
Ms Davidson said: "I am pleased Transport Scotland has stepped up to the mark on this issue and followed George Osborne's lead to invest in this hugely important service.
"Now that the rolling stock will be substantially upgraded I hope Transport Scotland and the SNP will reject any suggestions to downgrade or scrap sleeper services.
"This investment is great news for the Scottish economy and for all those in the Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Fort William and Inverness areas who benefit from this service."
Green MSP Patrick Harvie said: "We're not going to cut our transport emissions without providing real alternatives to domestic flights. The commitment of new money is very welcome, and both governments should now agree not only to protect the existing sleeper service but improve the rolling stock and keep prices competitive so a much more attractive service can be offered, just as other European countries have been doing for years."
Chancellor George Osborne made the initial £50m offer as part of his Autumn Statement last month. Mr Brown said the investment of "a minimum" £50m will ensure the sleepers are "enhanced to offer better facilities and a more responsive service to passenger needs".
The Caledonian Sleeper service provides two services each night, except Saturdays, between Scotland and London. It costs about £21m a year to run, excluding the track access fees.
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