A £1.5m investment to improve passenger access at Haymarket Station has been moved up to get underway this April.
The project start date has been accelerated so that two new lifts at Haymarket Station will be installed by the end of the year - meaning the project will be completed almost one year early.
In addition, Queen Street station is set to benefit from an investment of £2.25m, with six new automatic ticket gates installed this February, and design and investigation works have started for two new escalators, scheduled to open next summer.
The escalators will create additional access to low level platforms complementing the current lifts and stairs. Work is also planned to increase the number of low level ticket gates and improve the layout of the Dundas Street entrance concourse at the same time.
The schemes, which will provide better access for passengers, are being funded by First ScotRail as part of their franchise agreement with Transport Scotland to fund accessibility improvements at both stations.
Dougie Andrews, franchise projects and investment manager at Transport Scotland said:
"We are delighted to see this £3.75m investment for access improvements at Haymarket and Queen Street stations going ahead, and the early delivery date scheduled for Haymarket will be welcome news for all groups who have asked for these enhancements.
"Transport Scotland is committed to working with industry partners to encourage people to travel by public transport and improving accessibility plays a key part in this."
Steve Montgomery, managing director of ScotRail said:
"Access to these key stations will be much improved and will make a real difference for our customers."
The change in programme means the Haymarket lifts will also be ready in time for the predicted increase of passengers from the re-opened Airdrie to Bathgate line, which is scheduled to open this December.
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