Rural Transport

For many people in North East Fife, getting from A to B is not a matter of convenience – it is a daily challenge that affects access to essential services, work and community life. Rural transport is not a “nice to have”; it is a lifeline.

Bus services are a vital part of that lifeline, yet too often they are unreliable, infrequent or poorly connected. Constituents regularly tell me about buses that are late or cancelled, journeys that take far longer than advertised, and timetables that simply don’t reflect how people actually need to travel. When you live in a rural or semi-rural community, missing a bus can mean missing a medical appointment, being late for work, or losing an entire morning just trying to get to the nearest town.

These challenges are made even more acute as local services disappear. With bank branches and post offices closing, people are increasingly expected to travel further just to withdraw cash, pay in cheques or manage their accounts. I recently tested one such journey myself, after applying for a banking hub in Cupar and being told by LINK that one wasn’t necessary because a nearby bank was “only 20 minutes away” by public transport. The reality was a longer, more expensive trip – and that’s before factoring in delays, walking distances or mobility needs. For many people, particularly older residents or those on low incomes, these journeys are simply not practical.

The same issues arise when accessing GP appointments, hospital services, the Jobcentre or training opportunities. Poor transport links can limit job prospects, isolate communities and add unnecessary stress to everyday life. Rural residents should not be penalised for where they live.

That is why I strongly support the campaign to reopen Newburgh railway station. A station in Newburgh would be transformational, improving connectivity not just for local residents but for businesses, visitors and young people looking to access education and employment. It would reduce reliance on congested roads, offer a more sustainable travel option, and help ensure Newburgh is properly connected to the wider region.

We need a joined-up approach to rural transport – one that recognises the reality on the ground and puts communities first. That means properly supported bus services, fair assessments of travel times, and long-term investment in projects like the Newburgh Railway. Rural communities deserve transport systems that work for them, not against them.