Chamber and committees

The ScotRail Franchise Agreement requires that, so far as is reasonably practical and subject to the availability of appropriate space on trains, ScotRail ensure that reasonable facilities for the transport of bicycles is made available, to passengers. It is also a requirement of the ScotRail Franchise Agreement that staff are fully aware of cycle capacity and policies at stations and on trains, and that staff performance in this regard is monitored to ensure that cyclists are advised and accommodated appropriately. ScotRail are also required to ensure that their trains include a bicycle storage area with space for the storage of at least two bicycles in a dedicated area adjacent to an entrance vestibule.

Transport Scotland has reached agreement with ScotRail to increase the number of spaces available at intermediate stations from 2 to 4, with 6 spaces (3 per power car) available for end to end journeys on the HSTs which are planned to be introduced into service in the latter part of 2018.

The Caledonian Sleeper Franchise Agreement requires that, so far as is reasonably practical and subject to the availability of appropriate space on sleeper trains, Caledonian Sleeper ensure that reasonable facilities for the transport of bicycles on sleeper trains are made available, at no extra charge.

A study (Train2Ride), commissioned by HITRANS, and part funded by Transport Scotland, was conducted in July 2017 to establish the existing level of demand for on-train cycle carriage on ScotRail services on the West Highland line and on Serco Caledonian Sleeper services to Inverness and Fort William, and identify future trends and options for a managing the demand.

Prior to issuing the Invitation to Tender for the current ScotRail and Caledonian Sleeper franchises, the Scottish Government conducted a comprehensive consultation exercise with its stakeholders. Caledonian Sleeper states that it has since conducted its own, ongoing consultation involving a wide range of stakeholders, including police, Transport Focus and user groups.

The decision to postpone its plans to end the "share with a stranger" fare option was for Caledonian Sleeper to make. My understanding is that it was able to do so due to its greater confidence over the date of entry into service of the new trains.

ScotRail actively engages with MSPs on a range of different topics, from matters that affect their specific constituencies, such as timetable changes, as well as wider areas of interest. The Scottish Government encourages ScotRail to engage with MSPs, other stakeholders, passengers and the community at large.

A study (Train2Ride), commissioned by HITRANS, and part funded by Transport Scotland, was conducted in July 2017 to establish the existing level of demand for on-train cycle carriage on ScotRail services on the West Highland line and on Caledonian Sleeper services to Inverness and Fort William, and identify future trends and options for a managing the demand.

The Scottish Government has been pressing the UK Government for some time now for the full devolution of the Network Rail Scotland route. Strengthened accountability to the Scottish Parliament and improved governance arrangements will improve efficiency and the ability of Network Rail to respond to the requirements of the users of Scotland’s rail network.

The UK Government’s decision to move Network Rail funding to a Grant basis from 2019 means that the need for change is now a matter of urgency. Initial discussions took place between officials from Transport Scotland and the UK Department for Transport at the end of last year. The Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Constitution also wrote to the Secretary of State for Transport on 27th February seeking a speedy conclusion to this matter.

I recently wrote to the Secretary of State for Transport about Network Rail and the letter is available from the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. Number 59598 )

I am currently considering the suitability of existing public sector bodies to bid for the franchise contract and the steps required to create a new public sector body, if it is necessary to do so.

Though complex, we are making good progress with the work and in the Spring I expect to identify a suitable public sector body to make a bid.

Applicants can apply for funding support from the Transition Training Fund in any sector. Funding is not dependent on a secured job outcome, however applicants seeking support will be required to demonstrate:

• they are actively seeking alternative employment and have identified valid vacancies in a relevant sector (typically 4 or more vacancies will demonstrate demand for skills sufficiency) ; and
• they have identified specific retraining, up-skilling or certification requirements that will advance the pursuit of the identified opportunities.

As of 9 February we have received 724 applications supporting training in Renewables, and of these, 300 have been approved.

In addition, the Transition Training Fund has contracted with training providers delivering transition programmes aligned to industry identified opportunities within the Renewables sector, including Wind Turbine Installation, Blade Maintenance and Repair and Wind Logistics. As of 9 February, 69 individuals have undertaken the programme . While no targets have been set in this respect, I have taken the opportunity to highlight the availability of TTF funding to employers in the offshore wild (floating and fixed) tidal and wave Energy sectors.

It is worth stating, in respect of evaluation, that all applicants receive a follow up telephone call six months post-approval to evaluate the experiences of participants who undertook training to support to transition into a new career. This feedback will be used to help Skills Development Scotland and the Scottish Government shape how this funding supports others who are facing redundancy from the Oil and Gas sector.

Skills Development Scotland calculates the average time for processing an application to the Transition Training Fund (TTF) from the date the application is submitted, through to the date the funding is approved. Currently the average timeline for processing applications is 48 calendar days, this is influenced by the applicant response times – in ensuring the faster the information required is provided by the applicant, the quicker the response will be from Skills Development Scotland. Applications are administered as follows:

• New applications to TTF are, I understand, acknowledged within 5 working days of receipt advising the applicant what they need to do next. This will include details of supporting documents that must be submitted, via email, before the application is progressed. Supporting documents include current CV, proof of residency, proof of redundancy from employer or for contractors, evidence the contract is ending due to the downturn. Applicants can access the TTF Helpline should they require any assistance throughout the application process. Applicants who fail to return evidence requested are followed up after 30 working days.
• On receipt of receiving all supporting documentation the application is allocated to a TTF Adviser, who is trusted with ensuring that they contact the applicant within 10 working days to discuss and assess the application for funding. In practice, as you would expect, Skills Development Scotland will always endeavour to respond as quickly as possible after receiving the required information.