STATIONS close to Commonwealth Games venues and on their routes will get ­upgrades to improve passenger information.

Transport Scotland revealed a £3million fund for new screen help points, ticket machines and shelters at dozens of stations across the country.

Several Glasgow stations are on the list for improvements with Anderston, ­Argyle Street, Bridgeton, Exhibition centre and Partick among the 56 stations to get new passenger help points.

New information screens will be installed at 29 ­stations, including Cathcart and Kelvindale.

A number yet to be decided will also get new ticket machines and platform shelters.

The cash is in addition to the £2m announced by Transport Scotland last year for station improvements.

Transport Minister Keith Brown said it was essential work was done to ­ensure the transport network runs smoothly with an ­increase in passengers during the Games.

He said: "With Scotland hosting a truly international audience during our Year of Homecoming in 2014, it is only fitting we ensure our transport network is as welcoming as possible.

"By making rail travel as trouble free as possible we can encourage greater use of enhanced public transport services and make journey times as reliable as possible.

"Everyone, from businesses and commuters to residents and spectators, can play their part and help make 2014 a real transport success by planning their journeys carefully using all the available travel information tools."

As well as the improvements delivered in time for the Games, the funding boost will also include work to be carried out after the Commonwealth Games and Ryder Cup to benefit passengers after the athletes and visitors have gone.

There will be new car park barriers, ramps and platform extensions at ­stations throughout the Scottish rail network.

Steve Montgomery, managing director of ScotRail, said the work would benefit regular passengers as well the visitors to the country in the summer.

He said: "The provision of information to customers is always important, but it will be even more vital when we help thousands of fans enjoy the games this summer.

"This additional funding will ensure that visitors and commuters alike have immediate access to the ­latest live information."

stewart.paterson@eveningtimes.co.uk