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Chapter 6 : Challenges ahead
6. Challenges ahead
6.1 Rail supports a broad range of government objectives as well as the requirements of both passenger and freight customers. A future National Planning Framework will have regard to the rail requirements established by this report. This will ensure that the strategic infrastructure requirements to achieve government objectives for rail are recognised within a reformed planning system. Demand for rail has been growing in recent years and demand for both passenger and rail freight services is forecast to increase by at least a third over the next 20 years. Along with increased demand, we can anticipate increased expectations from passengers about the quality and reliability of the service offered.
6.2 A modern, efficient rail network is essential in meeting these growing demands. There is a need to move forward, addressing currently known problems whilst recognising the need to plan and invest for the future in a cost effective, sustainable way. We expect the industry to:
- Develop and deliver innovative rail solutions for the 21st century.
- Deliver service that minimises the impact on the environment and ensures that rail is the environmentally preferred mode of travel and a real alternative to the car and air travel both within Scotland and cross border.
- Reduce the time it takes to progress projects from feasibility to delivery.
- Deliver on time, on budget with a world class product.
- Continue to improve the performance of the network.
- Work in partnership with government, RTPs, local authorities and private companies to achieve the above.
6.3 Train operators are in a unique position to maximise passenger numbers. To achieve our aim of modal shift, freight operators and business customers must seek opportunities to make more and better use of rail. RTPs and local authorities are in an ideal position to focus on how rail integrates effectively with other modes of transport at local level and to support enhancements. Business and local authorities have a role in regeneration of stations and surrounding areas.
6.4 Transport Scotland's task is to facilitate the overall implementation of this document. The Office of Rail Regulation ( ORR) is an independent regulator dealing with economic and safety issues. ORR will set the charges for use of the network by train operators according to the High Level Output Specification and Statement of Funds Available set by Transport Scotland and will ensure that Network Rail is delivering efficiently. The Department for Transport ( DfT) manages and largely funds the cross border franchises and we must work with them to ensure the interests of customers from Scotland are fully reflected.
6.5 We must recognise that we cannot deliver all of our aspirations from government funding alone. The current substantial capital investment being made in expanding our rail network will bring additional resource requirements in future years for running additional trains and services. We anticipate that continuing efficiencies in Network Rail's operations, and continuing growth in the passenger numbers using services will both provide significant contributions to enabling the funding of this expansion in the coming years. We also consider a partnership funding of the railway between customers and taxpayers is appropriate. To achieve all the aspirations above will need considerable investment, and we will look to all partners to contribute as appropriate to the benefit they receive. This means that fare paying customers are a key part of the funding chain. We will also look to private developers to contribute to the costs of improving our railways where they relate to their development aspirations.
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