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SEStran welcomes vision of major rail network expansion

Date: 28th May 2009

 

SEStran welcomes the new paper on rail development published by Network Rail in partnership with  the Asociation of Train Operating Companies (ATOC and the Rail Freight Operators Association) (RFOA).  

“Planning Ahead”outlines the industries  vision for long-term future development, focusing on a major expansion of the network and improvemnts in service provision at all levels including :

  • Improvements in quality of service to passengers at all levels, including; punctuality, comfort and reductions in overcrowding
  • Better integration with other forms of transport, including parkway stations for major cities and towns to relieve road congestion, and better rail links to airports.
  • 80% of the network to be electrified
  • New capacity, including high speed lines that will virtually replace internal flights.
  • Improved punctuality
  • Doubling of freight market share

SEStran Chair Russell Imrie said : “This document indicates where future investment in railways should be targeted and fits in with SEStran’s vision of additional stations, increased rail capacities, the reopening of railway lines in the SEStran area and the provison of a high-speed rail link between Scotland and London.”  

"SEStran is committted to building a comprehensive, sustainable transportation system for South East Scotland, based upon making public transport the mode of choice for most journeys. We are also  eager to see as much freight as possible transferred off-road to more sustainable modes. The development of a state-of-the-art railways system will play a central role in achieving these aims.”    

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: 0131-524-5161

M: 07889-010-291

E: Andrew.dougal@sestran.gov.uk