Rail

Department for Transport and Transport Scotland launches revised Code of Practice for Disabled Passengers.

This study examines potential improvements to the current rail services between Edinburgh and Glasgow and proposes an alternative to the Edinburgh Airport Rail Link. Published 5 October 2007

The Executive Summary was published in advance of the main study in recognition of the potential to achieve early benefits. Published 27 September 2007.

This Note gives step-by-step guidance on the process of applying to Transport Scotland on behalf of the Scottish Ministers to make a determination that a closure is a minor modification within the meaning of the Railways Act 2005. This note will be amended updated as the process evolves.

In December 2006, Scotland's Railways was published, setting out Scottish Ministers vision for the rail network over the next 20 years. Scotland's Railways accompanies the National Transport Strategy, showing how rail can contribute to achieving the three strategic outcomes for transport of improving journey times and connections, reducing emissions and improving quality, accessibility and affordability. The High Level Output Specification is the next step in firming up medium-term requirements, setting out the detail of what Scottish Ministers want the rail industry to deliver between 2009 and 2014 on behalf of Scottish rail passengers and freight users.

Edinburgh to Glasgow via Falkirk High, Electrification Feasibility Study carried out by Network Rail. This considers the engineering possibilities for electrifying the route. Produced May 2007.

Determination made on 11 May 2007 of a description of closures that are minor modifications that fall within the eligibility criteria of Section (5)(b) of the Railways Act 2005 - part of a station. The determination has effect in Scotland. The Department for Transport has powers to make similar determinations in England and Wales, refer to www.dft.gov.uk for details.

The Railways Act 2005 transferred responsibilities for railways in Scotland to Scottish Ministers. The Act also amended and supplemented the duties and functions of the Office of Rail Regulation under the Railways Act 1993. It enables Scottish Ministers to give this general guidance to the Office of Rail Regulation about railway services wholly or partly in Scotland or other matters in or as regards Scotland that relate to railways. Published 30 March 2007.

Detail on the methodology of the adjustment of prices which has been applied across all the major rail projects funded by Transport Scotland is provided in the “Guide for Adjustment of Prices in Construction Cost Estimates for Inflation and Changes in Market Conditions for Transport Scotland’s Major Rail Projects”. We will publish periodic updates to this guide in the light of any significant changes in price movements in major UK rail projects. Published February 2007.

The Department for Transport (DfT) has responsibility for all franchised passenger train services across the border between England and Scotland with the exception of the sleeper services. They have consulted on the specification for a replacement East Coast Main Line franchise due to come into effect in autumn 2007.