2 December 2008
Improvements required to ScotRail franchise
Transform Scotland has today published their response to the Transport Scotland '
Consultation on Initiatives related to the ScotRail Franchise Extension'.
Calum McCallum, Transform Scotland rail campaigner, said:
"Transform Scotland is positive about the current state of the railways in Scotland. However, we are concerned at the way in which the ScotRail franchise extension was awarded.
"In our response to the consultation, we have also recommended a number of developments which we regard as 'low hanging fruit': significant improvements which could be quickly and easily implemented. These include:
- Better services in the late evenings and on Sundays, or the introduction of Sunday services where there are none at present
- Additional services on existing lines which are poorly served, and
- A couple of short extensions to passenger services over existing freight lines.
"We also call for expansion of the electrified network and, in the longer term, further development of Scotland's Inter-City and scenic railways.
"Transform Scotland is keen to see a more integrated approach to public transport in Scotland. This includes the extension of concessionary fares to railways and the introduction of through tickets and a 'Smartcard' system for all public transport across the country. We also want to see stations developed as local 'hubs' for walking, cycling and other public transport routes.
"Finally, we acknowledge the important position of railways in providing more sustainable transport, but we realise that the railways cannot be complacent: best practice for sustainability needs to be enthusiastically promoted throughout the industry."