21 February 2006

Study calls for Glasgow/Edinburgh high speed rail link

A study into creating a high speed rail link between Glasgow and Edinburgh, is being commissioned by SPT and the South-East of Scotland Transport Partnership (SESTRAN). The intention is that the link could form part of a future Anglo-Scottish high speed rail network.

The £15,000 study is designed to provide ammunition in the fight to stop Scotland's economy hitting the buffers while English and European competitors power ahead on dedicated high speed rail links.

The need for action has been prompted by a report on creating a network of high speed rail links prepared by WS Aitkins for the Strategic Rail Authority. The report concluded that whilst Scotland would benefit economically from a high speed rail link, it was likely that the building of a north-south high speed rail link would start in London and probably end in Lancashire or Yorkshire. A link to Scotland would only be considered if the money was available in future.

Separate reports on the Core Cities and Northern Way also emphasised the importance of good internal and external transport links as the drivers for the economic growth and competitiveness of the core cities in England. The same is true for Scotland's core cities.

Cllr Alistair Watson, Chair of SPT, said, "Scotland's cities need a competitive edge not just in Britain but in Europe as a whole. High speed rail links can deliver this. But without them Scotland will become an economic backwater at the end of the line.

"Scotland missed out on the promised regional Eurostar services which has led to the growth of environmentally unsustainable low-cost air travel. In England the eight city regions have been recognised as the powerhouses of their economies but also that they lag behind European cities. The City Regions Initiative and the Northern Way aim to tackle the reasons behind the lag including transport connections.

"Scotland risks falling behind the rest of Britain as well as Europe because we don't have any similar initiatives and we are last on the list for a high speed rail link until the money can be found.'

Cllr Russell Imrie, Chair of SESTRAN, said, "The Edinburgh and Glasgow City Regions form the strongest economic area outside the south east of England. If we are to maintain and enhance this economic strength it is necessary to significantly improve transport links between the two cities and to the other major city regions in the UK.

"When this study is finished it is envisaged that a joint approach will be made to the UK government to promote an Anglo-Scottish High Speed Rail Network that should also include an Edinburgh to Glasgow link as part of the initial implementation o f such a network. This link should deliver a radically reduced journey time from what's on offer today."

ends

Notes to editors

The main options to be considered in the study would be:

• Upgrading the Shotts line
• Upgrading the Carstairs line (with or without an element of new build)
• A completely new line
• A hybrid of the Shotts and Carstairs line - including some new build.

The study will provide an initial assessment of the broad costs and feasibility of each option.