This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
Listen
Rail franchise competition ready to roll
21/10/2002
The competition for the passenger rail franchise in
Scotland got underway today with the Strategic Rail
Authority announcing it would be inviting expressions of
interest.
The SRA said interested parties will be asked to submit
a pre-qualification application and expects the successful
bidders to be announced later this year.
Transport Minister Iain Gray said:
"I am pleased that the formal process to relet the
ScotRail franchise has now begun. I am also pleased that
the SRA is aiming to complete the process in time for the
new franchise to take effect from April 2004.
"When we issued our Directions and Guidance for the
future of the Scottish passenger rail franchise in July, we
set out our priorities for a railway fit for the 21
st century. We want railways to play their part
in creating a sustainable, effective and integrated
transport network for Scotland.
"I have made it clear that Scotland deserves a rail
network that is safe and accessible and that supports our
economy and encourages travel. The SRA can now take forward
the procurement process which will deliver this for
Scotland."
The Minister has also written to Bristow Muldoon MSP,
Convenor of the Transport and Environment Committee, with
an update of the situation.