Date: 08th February 2010

SEStran’s board is to consider a STAG report recommending that the Alloa to Rosyth railway line be developed for increased passenger and freight traffic.

Produced by SEStran, in partnership with Clackmannanshire and Fife Councils, the report examines freight and passenger transport connectivity issues between the three local authority areas. 

 Following an analysis of the key transport and travel patterns on the strategic network and extensive consultation of key stakeholders, freight operators and local businesses, four possible options were identified: 

  A : Use of the existing railway line from Alloa to Rosyth for passenger and freight services, with the construction of a new Charlestown Chord. 

B – Use of the existing railway line from Alloa to Rosyth for passenger and freight services, without a Charlestown Chord. 

C – Use of the existing railway line from Alloa to Rosyth for freight services only,  but with a Charlestown chord and a new express bus service between Alloa and Edinburgh along the A985 corridor 

D – Use of the existing railway line from Alloa to Rosyth for freight services only,   but with a Charlestown chord and a new express bus service between Alloa and Edinburgh along the A907 corridor 

Option A has been identified as the most cost effective, and it is recommended that an operational assessment should be carried out to assess train path availability, and its possible impact upon journey times.

SEStran Chair, Cllr Russell Imrie said:

“This project has been carried out in line with the recommendations of SEStran’s Regional Transport Strategy (RTS), which has identified a range of possibilities for improving passenger and freight transport connectivity throughout SE Scotland. The recommended option will make a major contribution towards achieving this goal and advancing SEStran’s aim of building a sustainable transportation system, with public transport as the mode of choice for most journeys.

“However, this project has not been properly considered within the Scottish Government’s Strategic Transport Projects Review (STPR). We must engage in serious discussion with Transport Scotland about how it may sit relative to current STPR projects and any possible future review of the STPR”.

Cllr. Tony Martin of Fife Council, added:

"Fife Council is delighted to work in partnership with SEStran and Clackmannanshire Council in taking forward this project to the next stage.

"Cllr Eddie Carrick, of Clackmannshire Council said :

"I'm delighted that, following the instigation of talks by Clackmannanshire, Fife and Edinburgh Councils, this recommendation has come to fruition. The success of the Stirling-Alloa-Kincardine passenger service, which has been exceedingly popular, encouraged us to consider extending the service east to link with Edinburgh and Rosyth. I believe a new Charlestown Chord to be a strong option.

"Clackmannanshire Council has worked hard to improve the area's transport links and make the most of our fantastic central location. With the Clackmannanshire Bridge, a new rail link and all new secondary schools, it's no surprise that Clackmannanshire is seen as a great place to live, work and do business."

ENDS 

EStran - 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, Clackmannanshire, East Lothian Midlothian and West Lothian, Edinburgh, Falkirk and Fife.

For further information, please contact:

Andrew Dougal, SEStran Communications Officer

T: 0131-524-5161

M: 07889-010-291

E: Andrew.dougal@sestran.gov.uk

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