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SEStran launches study into Forth Bridge transportation strategy

Date: 08th May 2009

SEStran in partnership with City of Edinburgh Council and West Lothian Council is launching a study into potential public transport options to support the Forth Road Bridge replacement crossing strategy.

The project, which will be carried out by MVA Consultancy, will analyse strategic public transport options south of the Forth and the use of  the existing bridge as a dedicated public transport corridor; one of the central elements of the Forth Replacement Crossing strategy.

The project will explore potential links for Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) and Trams on to and from the Forth Road Bridge from the south, as well as the potential for route development on the west side of Edinburgh and into West Lothian, using a Scottish Transport Appraisal Guidance (STAG) based analysis. 

SEStran Chair, Russell Imrie said :  

“SEStran is comitted to building a comprehensive, sustainable transportation system for South East Scotland, based upon the use of public transport as the mode of choice for most journeys. This is both an economic and environmental imperative, if we are to safeguard the future of the economy and our quality of life.” 

“SEStran believes that the additional capacity offered by having two bridges across the Forth should prioritise public transport. This study is the first step in acertaining what public transportation options may be appropriate to maximise the benefits of future public transport provision across the Forth.”


Alec Knox, project manager at MVA, said:  

“We are delighted to be working with SEStran and its partners, the City of Edinburgh Council and West Lothian Council, to undertake this study. It will be of fundamental importance in identifying how high quality public transport routes can link into the bridge and potentially inform the forthcoming Parliamentary hearing into the Forth Replacement Crossing Bill.” 

The work is scheduled to be completed in August 2009. 

Ends

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: 07889-010-291

E: Andrew.dougal@sestran.gov.uk 

Or  Kimberley Hamilton on 01698 787875 / 07525 855 422

kimberley.hamilton@beattiegroup.com  

Neil McDonald on 01698 787855 / 07971749044

neil.mcdonald@beattiegroup.com  

Notes  

  1. Industry leader MVA Consultancy provides advice on transport and other policy areas to central, regional, and local government, agencies, developers, operators, and financiers.
  1. MVA employ over 550 people worldwide.