Question reference: S6W-02224
- Asked by: Craig Hoy, MSP for South Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
- Date lodged: 13 August 2021
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Current status: Answered by Graeme Dey on 10 September 2021
Question
To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to improve the train line between North Berwick and Edinburgh to (a) reduce journey times and (b) increase the number of daily services.
Answer
Portobello to Newcraighall enhancements is a package of works which is being considered as part of the ‘pipeline-based approach’ to rail development and delivery. The project considers the railway infrastructure between Portobello and Newcraighall Junctions and seeks to improve the resilience and efficiency of the corridor today and for the future.
Looking further forward, improved capacity and frequency on the North Berwick route are two of the rail based options currently being appraised as part of the second Strategic Transport Projects Review (STPR2). The appraisal process for STPR2 is considering the performance of all options against the transport outcomes we are seeking, the Transport Planning Objectives, which are aligned to our National Transport Strategy priorities and outcomes. The interventions will seek to contribute to our vision of a sustainable, inclusive, safe and accessible transport system helping deliver a healthier, fairer and more prosperous Scotland for communities, businesses and visitors.
Therefore, we need to consider the social and economic benefits and impacts based on performance against these objectives and the five Scottish Transport Appraisal Guidance criteria, to determine the overall Value for Money. This also takes into account risks, uncertainties and other factors such as affordability, deliverability and the wider acceptability of options. This will be an important consideration given pressures on current and future public finances.
Also underpinning STPR2 is the Sustainable Investment Hierarchy where we will aim first to reduce the need to travel unsustainably, make better use of and enhance existing infrastructure, before investing in new capacity. This hierarchy is also central to Infrastructure Investment Plan. STPR2 will conclude later this year, with publication of recommendations for investment and an appropriate statutory consultation period.
Until the appraisal process is completed, it is not possible to make individual decisions on specific rail based options.