Date: 14th October 2008

SEStran study recommends passenger train services for Levenmouth

Positive economic case exists for introduction of rail service

SEStran’s board is to consider a report that recommends the reintroduction of passenger rail services in Levenmouth.

Following the STAG 1 report submitted in July this year, work has progressed on taking forward a study into the preferred option of reintroducing passenger rail services to the area to STAG 2 level.

The Stag 2 appraisal shows that:

·         There is a positive economic case for the re-introduction of rail services to Levenmouth

.·         The railway should be reconstructed along the existing alignment, rather than on a new route. The report recommends that two possible service options should be considered;

 ·         Extending the hourly Edinburgh to Kirkcaldy service to Leven.

·         Extending both the Edinburgh to Kirkcaldy service and Edinburgh to Cowdenbeath services, which would provide a half-hourly service to Leven. (This option would also provide an improved service to Thornton, Cardenden and Lochgelly).

SEStran Chair, Cllr Russell Imrie said:

“SEStran is mindful that there is a great deal of local support for the introduction of passenger train services in Levenmouth. The Stag 2 report shows that there is a viable economic case for introducing rail services to the area. The pre-existing rail alignment can be re-used and a new infrastructure developed at a competitive cost of £45 million”.

“The reintroduction of rail service will make Levenmouth far more attractive as a place to live, work and do business. It will also offer the possibility of moving freight by rail and encouraging the economic development of the area".

ENDS SEStran - South East of Scotland Transport Partnership - is one of seven new Statutory Regional Transport Partnerships (RTP) created by the Transport (Scotland) Act 2005 and is a partnership of eight local councils covering the Borders, East Lothian, Midlothian and West Lothian, Edinburgh, Fife, Falkirk and Clackmannanshire.

For further information, please contact:

Andrew Dougal,

SEStran Communications Officer

T: 0131-524-5161M: 07889-010-291E: Andrew.dougal@sestran.gov.uk

END 

Notes:

Levenmouth Sustainable Transport Study 

Background 1.1.        Earlier this year SEStran appointed Scott Wilson Transportation consultancy to undertake amulti-modal study into improving transport facilities to/from Levenmouth. 

1.2.        The outcome of the STAG1 process was reported to the July Board and work has progressed on taking forward the preferred option (re-introducing a rail passenger service to Leven) to STAG2 level.

 1.3.        The purpose of this report is to give the Board an update on this issue.  

2.      Current Position 

2.1. The completion of the STAG2 process has taken longer than envisaged but sufficient progress has been made to provide an indication of the outcome of the study.  

2.2. The STAG2 appraisal, including the economic case for re-introduction of rail services to Levenmouth appears to be positive. 

2.3. The best performing option is to reconstruct the railway along the existing alignment – rather than construct along a new alignment 

2.4. Regarding train operations, two options should be considered  

1 Extending the hourly Edinburgh – Kirkcaldy service to Leven 

2 Extending both the Edinburgh – Kirkcaldy and the Edinburgh – Cowdenbeath services, thereby providing a half-hourly service to Leven. This option would also provide improved service frequencies at Thornton, Cardenden and Lochgelly Stations. 

2.5. The latest estimate of construction costs is in the region of £45 million  

3. Recommendation 3.1 It is recommended that the Board notes the content of the report.  

Trond Haugen Advisor to SEStran 8 October 2008 Policy Implications : Will deliver towards SEStran RTS Financial Implications  : Work within budget Race Equalities Implications : None Gender Equalities Implications : None  Disability Equalities Implications : None

---