A PLAN to introduce express trains on the Glasgow Central to Edinburgh line could cut journey times by almost 30 minutes.

Services going via Shotts, Lanarkshire, stop at 19 stations and take 94 minutes, but a study says faster trains could cut travel times by 27 minutes if they stop at just five.

It wants trains to stop only at Uddingston, Shotts, West Calder, Livingston South and Haymarket.

The study was commissioned by Strathclyde Partnership for Transport and the South East Scotland Transport Partnership, which say express trains would provide a significant boost to passengers who use the Shotts line.

A faster service could also help take pressure off the main Glasgow-Edinburgh rail route via Falkirk High, which is often overcrowded at peak times.

SPT chairman Alistair Watson said: "The Shotts line is one of the key transport corridors between Scotland's two major cities.

"These proposals would create a big improvement in journey times and provide more choice for the ever-increasing number of passengers.

"The improvement of this line is a key part of SPT's regional transport strategy. It also ties in with our park and ride strategy, which involves proposals for improvements in facilities at Shotts and Uddingston."

Russell Imrie, chairman of South East Scotland Transport Partnership, added: "They are a positive first step towards cutting journey times for travellers and improving overall services between Scotland's two largest cities."

The study comes at a time when the country's transport chiefs already plan improvements to the Shotts line in the coming years.

However, watchdogs with Passenger Focus warned the introduction of express trains must not be for the benefit of just a few travellers.

They are concerned that faster trains could stop at just five stations and insisted every paying member of the public using the Shotts line should benefit.