International conference on tram systems - "an opportunity for Scotland to catch up with best transport systems in Europe"TRANSform Scotland, the campaign for sustainable transport (1), today announced further details of the international conference on tram and light rail systems to be held in Edinburgh next Monday, 15th January 2001. The conference, jointly organised by TRANSform Scotland and the Rail Passengers Committee Scotland, is being held at the Crowne Plaza Edinburgh on The Royal Mile, beginning at 10am. (2) The conference features: ¥ experts on state-of-the-art tram systems: construction, finance, operation; ¥ speakers from Orleans, Karlsruhe & Manchester illustrating international best practice; ¥ an address from Minister for Transport Sarah Boyack MSP. TRANSform Scotland Chair David Spaven said: "Scotland is years behind England in developing tram systems and decades behind mainland Europe. The conference will help to stimulate thinking on practical mechanisms to deliver tram systems and give people a chance to learn from international best practice. The conference gives an opportunity for Scotland to catch up with the best transport systems in Europe." "We are delighted to have the Transport Minister at the conference and look forward to hearing what kind of criteria the Scottish Executive will have for funding light rail proposals, and how they plan to help encourage schemes to be brought forward in Scottish cities." "The conference has attracted a large number of delegates (about 120 delegates so far). It has attracted speakers from across Europe and delegates from across Britain. The conference is shaping up to be the most important transport conference to be held in Scotland in 2001." ENDS Notes to Editors: (1) TRANSform Scotland is the national sustainable transport campaign, bringing together 68 organisations - including transport operators, local authorities, national environment and conservation groups, chambers of commerce and local transport groups - interested in transport, the environment and a sustainable Scotland. We can be contacted at 72 Newhaven Road, Edinburgh, EH6 5QG. Tel.: 0131-467-7714; Fax: 0131-554-8656; e-mail: campaigns@transformscotland.org.uk; web: http://www.transformscotland.org.uk (2) The conference is being held at the Crowne Plaza Edinburgh, 80 High Street, The Royal Mile, Edinburgh, 10am to 4.40pm (registration from 9.30am). The Minister is speaking from 10.30am to 10.50am. Free entry to the conference is available to journalists. Please make yourself known to conference registration on the day. (3) The speakers at the conference are: ¥ Sarah Boyack MSP - Minister for Transport, Scottish Executive ¥ David Spaven - Chair, TRANSform Scotland ¥ Anthony Smith - National Director, Rail Passenger Council ¥ Francois Xavier-Perin - Managing Director, Transdev plc ¥ Andrew Russell - Chief Executive, Waterfront Edinburgh ¥ John McFadzean MBE - PFI Director, Morrison Group ¥ Roger Tripp - Metrolink Local Authority Coordinator, Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive ¥ Christian Buisson - Director, Tramway Orleans (France) ¥ Gunnar Heipp - International Affairs, Karlruher Verkehrsverbund (Germany) ¥ Geoff Cook - Commercial Projects Manager, Railtrack Scotland ¥ Dr Malcolm Reed - Director-General, Strathclyde Passenger Transport Executive ¥ Cllr. Mark Lazarowicz - Executive Member for Transport, The City of Edinburgh Council (4) Issued addressed at the conference will include: ¥ public demand for investment in high quality public transport networks. ¥ DETR shift in favour of light rail solutions Ð with up to 25 systems being mooted in the 10 Year Plan for Transport. ¥ Scottish Executive promotion of integrated and sustainable transport. ¥ modal shift secured by light rail systems such as Manchester Metrolink. ¥ worldwide recognition of the success of the Karlsruhe joint-running system - integrating tram and heavy rail networks. ¥ the private sector lead in developing light rail systems such as in Nottingham. ¥ a greater understanding of the importance of light rail in delivering high quality of life in urban regeneration and in new developments. ¥ a variety of public transport systems currently proposed for Edinburgh Ð heavy rail, trams and guided busways Ð but no final decision on any as yet. ¥ a revival of interest in the proposal for the first ÔStrathclyde TramÕ line in Glasgow - stalled since the mid-1990s. ¥ success of the Orleans and Karlsruhe systems show potential for light rail applications in small and medium sized cities - such as Aberdeen and Dundee - and in rural areas. Notes to Picture Editors: Good quality images of modern continental tram systems can be made available on request. END OF NEWS RELEASE |