This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Edinburgh Park train station opened
08/12/2003
The new Edinburgh Park rail station was officially
opened today.
The station will open up public transport to the five
thousand people who work at the park - the heart of the
capital's business and financial districts.
Jack McConnell said that the opening of new rail lines
and stations will vastly improve public transport and be a
shot in the arm to the Scottish economy.
The opening of the station marks the completion of the
Edinburgh Crossrail service which links passenger services
between Dunblane and Bathgate and the new Edinburgh
Newcraighall station.
Speaking at the opening the First Minister said:
"Getting Scotland moving is the key to getting Scotland
growing. A modern transport system that allows people to
get to work and companies to get their goods to market is
vital if we are to deliver real and lasting economic
growth.
"That is why this government is committing unprecedented
levels of funding to the transport projects that will most
benefit Scotland. Rail links to the airports, upgrading
Waverley station, opening new lines and opening new
stations are all evidence that this investment is starting
to pay off.
"We have made it clear that we want to see our
investment in transport make a difference - that is why we
are making a strategic shift from roads to public
transport. I want to see the whole of Scotland benefit from
the improvements we are making, not just those who
regularly access our motorways.
The First Minister continued:
"Today is just the beginning. Our commitment to
transport is a long term one. The money that we commit
today will benefit our country for decades to come - both
economically and environmentally. I know the importance of
excellent transport links. Today's opening shows that we
are serious about delivering them.
Transport Minister Nicol Stephen said:
"The opening of this station shows what can be
achieved by working together. Earlier this year, we
announced our largest single investment in rail to date
with the purchase of 29 new trains. Two of these will
specifically serve Edinburgh Park ensuring the rest of the
rail network can continue to meet its performance targets.
"Today's launch demonstrates our commitment to
improving public transport services and infrastructure in
Scotland, with transport spending rising to £1 billion a
year by 2006 of which 70 percent will be for public
transport."