|
Central Scotland transport study criticised for failing to recommend short-term improvements to railways In advance of the release of the consultants' recommendations into the future of the Central Belt transport networks, TRANSform Scotland are releasing its own recommendations (1) with a call for urgent action by the Scottish Executive to secure the provision of new trains in advance of the new ScotRail franchise due in 2004. TRANSform Scotland is represented on the Steering Group of the Central Scotland Transport Corridor Study (CSTCS), which meets today (Tuesday 11th June) to discuss the consultants' (MVA) final recommendations to the Scottish Executive. Tom Hart, TRANSform Scotland representative on the CSTCS Steering Group, said: "The Study's recommendations have neglected the importance of ensuring action now to secure extra rolling stock to lengthen trains, tackle key bottlenecks and improve service frequency over the next three years. The Executive must give high priority to service quality improvements on the railways as well as the bigger infrastructure projects that will take longer to complete. Immediate action is needed in advance of any award of a ScotRail replacement franchise, especially as this may itself yet be delayed. New and improved trains could make a real impact on shifts away from car use on congested Central Belt transport corridors over the short-term." "TRANSform Scotland welcomes the shift in the balance of infrastructure schemes to public transport in the Final Reports on the A8, A80 and M74 corridors. However, it is far from clear how a balanced package will be delivered. The commitment to spend £250 million on a M74 Northern Extension will prevent the Scottish Executive making commitment to secure more urgent priorities such as public transport improvements and could slow action on road improvements on the A8 / A80 corridors." In its submission to the Scottish Executive, TRANSform Scotland also: * welcomes some of the new public transport infrastructure the consultants recommend (e.g. a reopened Airdrie-Bathgate rail line); TRANSform Scotland is however sceptical whether any of this will be delivered given the abysmal record of the Scottish Executive in delivering new public transport projects. * criticises the very limited analysis of what the recommended extra road capacity means for the Scottish contribution to the UK climate change strategy (see point 1.3 of paper). Given that road traffic levels on the A8 & A80 are not rising quickly (see point 1.2), there is a danger that extra road capacity will generate more traffic - and hence more climate change emissions. * calls for the Scottish Executive to do more to change travel habits, and that this can best be done by introduction of demand management measures. With 80%+ of all car trips on A8 & A80 corridors being single occupancy, it is clear that (i) there is no proper pricing policy for use of these roads, (ii) there is inadequate incentive for travelling more sensibly. Point (i) means we need road user charging on these trunk road corridors & reform of public transport fares, point (ii) means we need improved public transport services and High Occupancy Vehicles lanes. * views the Study as being flawed by the Scottish Executive's insistence that the M74 Northern Extension be included without it being studied. The price of the M74NE (£250 million) could pay for much of the improvements the Study will recommend for the A8 & A80 corridors. The Scottish Executive's decision to pre-judge the outcome of the Study by failing to consider alternatives to building elevated motorways makes a mockery of the multi-modal appraisal approach. ENDS Notes to Editors: (1) A copy of TRANSform Scotland's full submission (14 pages) is available on request from the - as fax or as PDF file - from the office. All available on the web at http://www.transformscotland.org.uk/info/publications.html END OF NEWS RELEASE |