19 November 2013
ScotRail Franchise Renewal Programme
Comment from Transform Scotland
Transform Scotland have today (Tuesday 19th) responded to the publication of the next phase of the ScotRail re-franchising process (the ‘draft Invitation To Tender’ (ITT)), stressing the need for progress on the inter-city rail network, developing tourism on the rural lines, and delivering smart ticketing across the network.
Paul Tetlaw, Transform Scotland rail campaigner said:
"We welcome the publication of the draft ITT as the next key stage in the ScotRail franchise process. The new franchise offers a unique opportunity to deliver major improvements to the railway in Scotland."Of particular importance is the need to make public transport much easier to use and we look to the bidders to bring forward proposals for the roll-out of smart ticketing right across Scotland and to combine this with much greater integration between trains and other forms of transport."Our rural lines are a great asset and as well as providing essential services to remote communities they have the potential to be developed into a superb tourist offering. By working with the tourist industry, local attractions and other operators Scotrail can really start to return these routes to the great days of rail travel."The inter-city routes connecting the Central Belt to Inverness and Aberdeen have been allowed to stagnate whilst the focus of expenditure has been on improvements to the road network. During the period of the next franchise we need to see this process reversed with new longer trains, better on-board facilities and dramatic enhancements to journey times. Electrification of these routes will help to deliver journey time improvements and a more efficient railway. The new franchise offers the opportunity to roll out electrification beyond the Central Belt and create an inter-city express network fit for the 21st century."
ENDS
Notes to Editors
[1] Transform Scotland is the national sustainable transport alliance, bringing together rail, bus and shipping operators, local authorities, national environment and conservation groups, businesses and local transport groups - see <http://www.transformscotland.org.uk/our-members.aspx> for details.
[2] Details of Transport Scotland’s ScotRail Franchise Renewal Programme are available at <http://www.transportscotland.gov.uk/rail/scottish-franchise-renewal-programme/scotrail-franchise>.
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