Foreword by Transport Minister
This is an exciting and challenging time for the rail industry in Scotland. Transfer of rail powers to Scottish Ministers and the creation of Transport Scotland mean Government needs a vision for rail in Scotland for the next 20 years and beyond.
Scotland’s geography combines densely populated urban areas with more rural settings. Finding appropriate transport solutions to meet these differing needs is a challenge to us all. I recognise that rail plays a significant role in developing our integrated transport system. I am clear on the strengths of the rail network and I want to make the most of those strengths.
Rail is uniquely placed to carry high numbers of people over long distances. It connects people to jobs, links communities and makes services accessible across the country. I want to build on the significant improvements we have already made to rail services in recent years — the opening of the Larkhall-Milngavie route; a high quality franchise; and new services. I want to see a successful expansion of the network with delivery of the major investments now underway. Scotland’s Railways sets out how these lay the foundations for a rail network and services for the coming years that can encourage many more people to make the shift from the private car to taking the train and many more businesses to shift from transporting goods by lorry to the train.
As I am determined to see a reduction in the harmful emissions in our environment, I am committed to encouraging more of that modal shift. Rail can contribute fully to our policies on Sustainable Development and Climate Change. This means offering a world class service on increasingly fuel efficient trains, a service that is reliable, punctual and convenient, integrating with our buses, trams, ferries and encouraging healthy lifestyle choices such as walking and cycling. A service that is affordable for Scots and visitors alike.
I want our rail network to continue to improve over the next 20 years. This document sets out our plan for potential interventions over the short, medium and longer term that will deliver that vision for rail. I want to focus on making our journeys faster, connecting our major towns and city regions and improving the quality of the total journey experience.
In the longer term, I seek solutions that go beyond that. It will become increasingly important to our economy to have stronger connections between Scotland’s cities and between Glasgow and Edinburgh and south of the border. We will examine the feasibility and affordability of a high speed rail link.
It is clear that any potential improvements to the rail network come with significant cost. I look to the industry to work with government and other partners to contribute to ensuring that the best rail solutions can be delivered in a cost effective and efficient way.
Scotland’s railways are one of our most valuable assets. This document seeks to make the very best of that resource now and in the future. I commend it to you.
Tavish Scott MSP
Transport Minister
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