Expert says railways good for town centres

In an interview on Radio Scotland, Malcolm Fraser said that because railway stations are located in town centres, they bring people straight into the heart of the town, rather than to the out-of-town shops, thus boosting the traditional high streets. Alloa was named as a particular example which had benefited from the re-opening of the railway line from Stirling, giving the town a direct connection to Glasgow.
It has to be said, if stations benefit town centres, then the centre of St Andrews should see a real advantage with its new station when it comes. Mr Fraser’s claims and the evidence cited are certainly at odds with those - and they do exist - who say that restoring rail services to St Andrews will bring no benefits whatsoever.