SCOTLAND'S railways will get £5billion of investment over the course of the next ScotRail franchise the transport minister has said.

Keith Brown revealed the Scottish Government plans for rail following a consultation on services after 2014.

The Edinburgh to Glasgow Improvement Programme will be taken forward and new Community Rail Partnerships set up to allow more community involvement, and a new standards regime will reliability and punctuality.

The consultation included options to close stations within a mile of a similar station, with nine in Glasgow listed as being at risk of closure.

Following the Evening Times' Save Our Stations campaign and opposition from MSPs, Mr Brown ditched the plan.

The minister said there would be £3bn invested during 2014-2019, another £1bn in strategic enhancements and £1bn to ensure economic and social benefits from the ScotRail franchise and the Caledonian Sleeper service.

He said: "We will expect new operators to deliver improved journey times, increased reliability, a roll out of wi-fi across the network and smart ticketing systems across the country.

I'm determined to see a 21st century rail service for Scotland.

"I particularly want to see a fully-integrated transport network and the new franchise will demand that operators ensure rail timetables synchronize with local buses and ferries and that infrastructure is in place to connect up train and cycle journeys.

"As well as ensuring improved journey times and reliability, I am calling on the industry to maximise value for money for rail users and taxpayers."

In response, Labour said they wanted a commitment on fares, concerned there would be increases, while the Greens branded the plans "pathetic".

Richard Baker MSP, Labour's infrastructure and capital investment spokesman, said: "It is deeply concerning that the SNP Government has not provided clarity on rail fares. This must raise fears of further dramatic increases in peak fares.

"There are also real questions over why the minister seeks to create a new stand-alone sleeper service in the same breath as criticising fragmentation of the current rail service."

Patrick Harvie, Green MSP for Glasgow, said: "What a complete lack of ambition the SNP Government shows for our railways. These plans are pathetic. No smart ticketing for 18 years? What is this? The steam age?

"It is right to ask the ScotRail franchisee and Network Rail to work more closely and for the franchise to be ten years, with a five year break point so it can be reviewed. But we should be much more ambitious if we're serious about making rail travel an easy and affordable option."

stewart.paterson@ eveningtimes.co.uk