This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Transport plans - costs and delivery
16/03/2006
The Larkhall to Milngavie rail line, the first of the Scottish government's major transport schemes to be delivered, is attracting passenger numbers above expectations.
In the 70 days the new line opened 68,749 people have used it - 34 per cent higher than projected.
Transport Minister Tavish Scott today pointed to the success of the rail project when he set out the costs and delivery for all the major transport projects currently planned.
Under way are the Stirling-Alloa-Kincardine rail line and the redevelopment of Waverley station. Other projects include airport rail links in east and west, Edinburgh trams, Airdrie-Bathgate and Waverley rail lines are either proceeding through the parliamentary process, or about to start.
Mr Scott said:
"New road and rail links will help grow our economy, improve opportunities and provide real transport choices. We have already delivered the first new rail link for 25 years and two more rail projects are already underway.
"To make sure we remain on time and on budget we will regularly review our progress. I have set a challenge to the transport industry to work together with the new agency Transport Scotland to make sure we see the benefits of our investment.
"We have set ourselves an ambitious programme of delivery, one that is the envy of Britain and we remain on target to deliver our programme of improvements to Scotland's transport infrastructure by 2011."