The Scottish Government

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Building a Better Scotland

TRANSPORT

To promote economic growth, social inclusion and sustainable development via a safe, integrated, effective and efficient transport system

An effective transport system is central to a thriving economy and strong communities, giving everybody access to jobs and services and ensuring the easy and sustainable movement of goods and people across Scotland. We have set out in our Transport Delivery Report, Scotland's Transport - Delivering Improvements, a comprehensive vision for transport built on the principles of sustainable development. This will address the immediate needs and equip Scotland for the next 25 years.

Recognising that over half the population depend on public transport, we have increased spending on public transport dramatically over the full range of services from bus to rail. We have introduced free off-peak local bus travel for elderly and less able people. Scotland has invested in a high quality road network which is being maintained to a good standard and many important new schemes to improve road safety and reduce congestion have been constructed, reducing pollution and improving communities' health and quality of life.

Our priorities for delivery during the Spending Review period are:

• increasing capacity and services on the rail network in Scotland - encouraging more use of sustainable transport;
• increasing capacity on the rail network in and around Edinburgh - reducing congestion, stimulating the local economy and improving access to services;
• opening up direct access to the rail network for business and to travellers from Scotland's airports - providing the transport links that the economy needs;
• developing an effective, modern 21st century public transport system for Edinburgh, worthy of a capital city;
• addressing the concerns of business and the wider community in and around Aberdeen by fixing Aberdeen's congestion - stimulating the local economy, strengthening the community;
• tackling inter-urban congestion in central Scotland - providing sustainable transport links;
• accessing economic benefits by opening up the Borders area - helping to sustain rural communities and provide better access to services;
• encouraging the use of buses by more of the Scottish population and tackling social exclusion;
• providing travellers with access to customised information - better quality, more accessible services; and
• making it easier to use public transport in Scotland, helping the vulnerable and disadvantaged to make full use of public transport and reach key services.

These priorities address our commitment to social justice - enabling large sectors of the population to have access to good services at affordable prices. We also provide essential transport services to rural and island areas communities, who depend heavily on them. They will contribute significantly to progress on reducing the impact of climate change.

OBJECTIVES AND TARGETS

What we will do

We are determined to deliver real improvements to Scotland's transport network and over the Spending Review period we will:

• let a new 15 year Scottish passenger rail franchise and deliver our top priority rail projects - investing in the infrastructure the Scottish economy needs;
• invest to develop rail links to Glasgow and Edinburgh Airports - providing better links for business visitors and tourists coming to Scotland;
• begin construction of the final part of the M74 into Glasgow;
• deliver the top priority public transport projects flowing from the Central Scotland Transport Corridor studies - easing congestion and promoting more sustainable transport;
• continue to improve the trunk road network, including the preparation for the A8 and A80 motorway upgrades;
• take forward new contracts for lifeline ferry services - ensuring affordable services for island and remote mainland communities;
• introduce free local off-peak bus travel for elderly people and those with a disability - making it easier for them to travel, improving their quality of life;
• improve and enhance Traveline, and implement Transport Direct - giving everybody access to better information about the transport services they depend on; and
• encourage local authorities to promote through-ticketing on local buses - ensuring that those who rely most on public transport can use it.

Spending Plans

Notes:
1. Includes 31 million for 2003-04, 2004-05 and 2005-06. This is a baseline transfer due from DfT for the reprofiling of the Scottish passenger rail franchise.
2. Figures for 2004-05 and 2005-06 are notional pending the outcome of tendering exercises.
3. Formerly Caledonian MacBrayne.
4. Includes provision for Public Transport Fund previously shown in the Local Government Spending Plans.
5. Motorways & Trunk Roads line includes depreciation charges (classed as DEL) and cost of capital (classed as AME). The split between DEL and AME is as follows:

6. This is the provision for Piers & Harbours included within the Local Government Spending Plans. Additional funding for Concessionary Fares is also included within the Local Government Spending Plans

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