Transform Scotland - For Sustainable Transport

15 July 2014

TRAC launch a success

Lotti Lancaster reports on the launch of Transform Research and Communications (TRAC)


On Wednesday 25 June we launched TRAC, our new non-profit consultancy for sustainable transport in Scotland.

We held the launch at the Royal Society of Edinburgh. We were joined by over 50 delegates from across the transport world in Scotland, including transport operators, major businesses, universities and campaigners. The launch was chaired by Phil Matthews and Helen Todd, Chair and Vice-Chair of Transform Scotland respectively.


TRAC Enterprise Manager Elspeth Wray explains why we've launched Transform Research and Communications

Economic and business opportunities for sustainable transport

Our launch brought together a panel of some of the sharpest minds in our network.



John Lauder - National Director, Sustrans Scotland

John Lauder discussed the benefits and differences of macro and micro transport projects. The National Cycle Network was used as an example of a macro benefit, generating £160m a year for the Scottish economy. The Oban to Ballachulish Bridge walking and cycle path is part of the National Cycle Network and was used as an example of a micro benefit as it brings more and money tourism to the area.

Ben Thierry - Business Rental Sales Manager, Enterprise Rent-A-Car UK Limited

Ben Thierry illustrated the benefits of car clubs and how they can be used to encourage more sustainable travel. Enterprise see business opportunities in the knowledge that customers want to reduce their carbon emissions. Benefits to businesses include reduced business mileage (on average reduced by as much as 30% after switching to car clubs), greater productivity as conference calls are utilised more, and stopping fuel cost reimbursement for employees who travel in their own vehicles. Car clubs also promote active travel and public transport to and from work.

Damien Henderson - Communications Manager, Scotland and North England, Virgin Trains

Damien Henderson spoke of the need to reduce rail journey time to see a greater modal shift from air to rail. He also spoke about the need to advertise the benefits of rail over air, such as a greater opportunity for on-board productivity with the introduction of superfast broadband.

Ross Martin - Chief Executive, The Scottish Council for Development & Industry

Ross Martin, a member of the Scottish Cities Alliance, spoke from the perspective of cities. Huge investments are planned in the intercity road network, yet there is a lack of investment in intercity rail, which needs to be tackled considering that some intercity rail journey times are the same as they were in Victorian times. To reduce journey times there needs to be a joined up effort from more than just one body or rail franchise, but by everyone who has an interest in the network. There also needs to be a greater understanding of what the intercity rail network is for. We are one of the few countries in which intercity routes are not distinct from the rest of the rail network.

Ross cited Perth Station as an example of a huge asset that is not being used to its full advantage. Haymarket station in Edinburgh is also a wasted opportunity: while it is modernised and functional, with the right planning and investment it could also be a social, cultural and economic hub. It seems that developers have missed where the transport network fits into the greater scheme of things. Ross concluded:

If you could change one thing…?

We asked the speakers:


John Lauder focused on investment:  


Ben Thierry wanted to eliminate grey fleet:


Damien Henderson warned that we should not focus solely on the assumption that if we get High Speed 2 (HS2) then modal shift will automatically happen:


Ross Martin highlighted the need for rail improvements:

Q&A

The Q&A session saw questions on electric cars, train lengths, one-way car rentals and cross-modal connectivity, as well as funding for road building and the attitude of businesses to sustainable travel.


Phil Matthews, Helen Todd and the speakers

Sustrans’ John Lauder thought that getting a fixed line in the budget for active travel couldn’t be too far away, Edinburgh Council for example having a dedicated budget line for cycling infrastructure, and the Government having committed to improving public health and air quality. 

Ross Martin believed that the economic impact of sustainable travel was going to transfer into cultural and social activity around transport hubs.

Damien Henderson said that Glasgow was noticing a huge uptake of rail travel by businesses, but that while some companies such as SSE are very responsive and mandate rail travel, others are less committed.

Support from Scottish Government Cabinet Secretary John Swinney MSP

Unfortunately, at the last minute, our keynote speaker, John Swinney MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Finance, Employment and Sustainable Growth, was unable to attend due to parliamentary commitments. In his absence he sent us his apologies and this statement of support:

"I am disappointed to be unable to make it to the launch event this evening, having been called away on unexpected parliamentary business. I am very happy to support the formation of TRAC through funds awarded from our Enterprise Ready Fund and I wish it all the best. Sustainable transport is crucial to Scotland’s economic success and TRAC has an important role to play in making this happen.”





Lotti Lancaster with the new TRAC brochure. All photos courtesy of Fi Brown.