Train pass offer to new home buyers

Oct 1 2008 by Robert Mitchell, Wishaw Press

WITH the credit crunch now biting home hard, house buyers in Motherwell are being offered an extra incentive – a free annual rail pass worth up to £2500.

First Scotrail have teamed up with property developer George Wimpey and the unusual deal is open to anyone buying a home in the town’s Excelsior Gate.

Both George Wimpey and First ScotRail are confident the offer will appeal to a wide range of potential homebuyers.

Peter Williams, commercial director at First ScotRail said: “We’re delighted to be working with George Wimpey to deliver this unique offer which supports our ongoing drive to encourage more people to travel by train and leave their car at home.

“The benefits are considerable and provide customers with greater choice of where to set up home, coupled with easy access to convenient rail travel opportunities for both work and leisure.”

The property developer reckons the offer will appeal to prospective customers who already make a regular commute, but who are perhaps considering delaying their decision to move due to the increased pressure being felt on the weekly family budgets as energy, food and fuel prices spiral upwards.

Speaking at the launch of the incentive, Michelle Logie, sales and marketing director for George Wimpey West Scotland said: “Our innovative offer with First ScotRail will capture the imagination of buyers who’re keen to work in the buzz of the city, but who also crave a bit more of a relaxed home life with more space to call their own.

“With George Wimpey taking care of commuting costs for a whole year, it’s one less cost for customers to worry about if they’re thinking about a move to a new home. Plus we’re encouraging our customers to think a bit greener and reduce their carbon foot-print by letting the train take the strain.

“Crucially this offer is likely to reduce our customers’ commuting time to work.

“Our development at Excelsior Gardens in Motherwell benefits from good local train services into the heart of Glasgow, making this an ideal option for those wanting to move away from the city.

“And because the passes are also valid at weekends, customers can make use of the train for leisure days out too.”