Scotland’s Railways

Malcolm ReedChief Executive Transport Scotland

2735 km track

344 Stations

75m Journeys 2005/06

10.9m tonnes freight 2004/05

The reality of growth

• Growth objectives implicit in policy framework• Similar assumptions informed franchise

specification and approach to rail freight• ScotRail franchise carried more than 75m

passengers in 2005-06 – up 23% over 2.5 years

• 10.9m tonnes of originating rail freight in 2004-05 – up 30% in 1 year

• Powers of Scottish Ministers:– To develop a Rail Strategy for Scotland– To provide financial assistance for passenger,

freight and other railway services– To fund Network Rail in Scotland– To specify Network Rail Outputs

Transport Scotland

• An Agency of the Scottish Executive• Directly Accountable to Scottish Ministers• Responsible for Policy and Delivery of Rail

and Trunk Road Networks in Scotland– Driving delivery of the Scottish Executive’s £3 billion

capital investment programme of transport improvements to 2010 and beyond

– Supporting delivery of the Executive’s vision for sustainable transport in Scotland

– Making a real difference for people and businesses using the national rail and road systems

New government

• Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Climate Change – Stewart Stevenson

• Wealthier and fairer, stronger and safer, healthier, smarter and greener Scotland

• Retains strong political commitment to rail • Geography puts transport high on Scottish

policy agenda;• Rail devolution settlement gives confidence

that Scotland can manage objectives effectively

New Direction?

• Continue expansion of rail network• Alternative options:

– Surface access to Edinburgh airport – Bus / rail enhancements in place of tram

• Emphasis on these elements from Scotland’s Railways: – Programme of electrification – Journey time improvements to Aberdeen and

Inverness– Capacity improvements

Continue expanding and enhancing the network

• Larkhall-Milngavie• Stirling-Alloa-Kincardine• Waverley station• Glasgow airport rail link • Airdrie-Bathgate• Borders rail link• Mossend-Elgin

Continue with Scotland’s Railways

• National Transport Strategy and ‘Scotland’s Railways’ published December 2006

• Set out long term vision • 3 Strategic Outcomes:

– Improving journey times and connections– Reducing emissions– Improving quality, accessibility and affordability

• Implemented through HLOS and Strategic Transport Projects Review – the post-2012 investment programme

In conclusion…..

• New Government, new powers, new projects, new opportunities;

• Increased service quality and reliability;• Passenger and freight growth clear policy and industry framework securing best value for funders and users -

Maximising the devolution dividend!