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This document sets out the Scottish Executive's vision for Scotland's passenger railways and outlines the key objectives that underpin that vision. It also proposes the practical steps required to put those objectives into practice and invites all stakeholders to offer their views and ideas on how together we can work to secure increased investment and levels of service on the Scottish rail network.
The last few weeks have witnessed serious disruptions on the rail network due to the tragic accident at Hatfield and the adverse weather conditions. This has exposed some serious structural weaknesses in the management of the railways which are now the subject of a detailed review. The results of this review together with the findings of inquiries into Southall, Ladbroke Grove and Hatfield will provide the backdrop against which the future of the railways will take place in Scotland and the rest of GB.
It will be within this context that the Scottish Executive will set out the priorities for the development of most of Scotland's passenger rail services. This will allow us to define the basis for letting the Scottish franchise, which accounts for 95% of all passenger rail services in the country. So that we can do this effectively, we want to consult with as wide a range of interests as possible on our strategic priorities and the rationale behind them. That is the principal purpose of this document. We want to consider all realistic aspirations for the development of the passenger rail network in Scotland before we finalise our directions and guidance to the Strategic Rail Authority (SRA). These will need to reflect our expectations for at least the next 15-20 years.
There is a price attached to fulfilling the vision. We need to ensure that we secure value for money when the Scottish passenger rail franchise is replaced. We need to establish a sound basis for committing hundreds of millions of pounds to supporting passenger rail services. We know that almost all services in Scotland require a subsidy. Any future subsidy will need to demonstrate that it is continuing to generate real benefits to Scotland's transport system, its economy, its communities and its environment. Any requirement to increase subsidy will need very careful justification, and show additional benefits.
One thing we are sure about is that the existing level of service is just a starting point. We are looking for significant improvements in the provision of passenger rail services in Scotland over the next two decades.
Sarah Boyack MSP
Minister for Transport
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