This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Priorities for rail outlined
28/09/2003
Record investments inScotland's rail network are helping to provide improved links
for communities and business, according to Transport
Minister Nicol Stephen.
The Minister was speaking at the start of the World
Congress on Railway Research conference inEdinburgh.
The Minister said:
"Rail infrastructure is central to our economy in
terms of transporting freight to market and allowing people
to access job opportunities. Rail services are also key to
our public transport system. The Executive is therefore
making a record investment inScotland's rail network to deliver improved services to
business operators and passengers.
"The Executive now has the opportunity to shape the
future of rail services inScotland. We are determined to achieve a more efficient and
reliable service. To do this we have set high standards for
those bidders currently applying to operate the next
franchise for the Scottish rail passenger service, which is
currently being re-let.
"Rail also plays a vital role for leisure travel and
tourism inScotlandand easily accessible transport is essential to allow
all parts of our country to benefit from that business. I
am delighted to be able to welcome everyone toEdinburghtoday and hope that your visit may encourage some of
you to explore a little further afield."
The World Congress on Railway Research promotes
international sharing andco-operation in the fields of railway innovation and
research covering operational, environmental and safety
management as well as engineering issues. The first WCRR
was held inParisin 1994 with theUnited States,Italy,JapanandGermanyall having played host to the event.