14 February 2011
East Coast plans good for business
Paul Tetlaw, Transform Scotland board member, said:
"We welcome the new East Coast timetable which comes into effect on the 22nd of May. Noteworthy improvements are the later departures from London during the week, the reduction in average journey time between the capitals, and the flagship 4-hour "Flying Scotsman" train to London, which leaves Edinburgh at 05.40 and only stops at Newcastle.
"Given the amount of productive time that can be spent on the train; businesses should now be having a long hard think about their travel policies. It no longer makes sense from a productivity or environmental point of view to flying from Edinburgh to London. Taking the train is more productive and of course is more environmentally friendly.
"We look forward to seeing a big shift in the modal share from the current 80% air versus 20% rail to a more even distribution, and in the longer term for rail to dominate this market."