1 December 2004

SPT Chair calls for level playing field with England

SPTA Chair Councillor Alistair Watson called for the organisation to be given the same rail powers - in relation to signing the rail franchise - as its English counterparts, following the introduction of a Railways Bill into the House of Commons.

The Railways Bill proposes to lay foundations for a delivery structure to control costs and improve the performance of railways. Part of this plan includes allowing the six Passenger Transport Executives in England to become co-signatories to a rail franchise agreement, at the discretion of the Secretary of State.

At the same time, the Transport (Scotland) Bill proposes to transfer rail powers currently resting with SPT, to Scottish Ministers. And this against a background of very explicit public assurances from Scottish Transport Minister Nicol Stephen MSP given to the Parliament on 16 June 2004 when he stated: "I expect the new regional partnership to continue to have a key role in the development, management and monitoring of rail services in its area" and "I still expect SPT to have a direct role in the management and development of rail services in the west of Scotland."

SPTA Chair Councillor Alistair Watson called for a firm commitment from the Scottish Executive about the future strategic direction of the country's railway system. He said: "The Railways Bill contains a real opportunity for much needed consistency within the GB rail industry.

"I urge the Scottish Transport Minister protect the effective public transport delivery in the west of Scotland by allowing SPT the same ability to manage the regional transport network in this area, as is being offered to our English counterparts.

"SPT has a proven track record of integrated transport delivery in its area. Glasgow is second only to London for the number of peak commuters travelling into the city centre by rail, thanks to SPT policies and initiatives.

"We want a level playing field in terms of rail powers and nothing else will do."

ends