Its actually part of a larger plan, including a £3 billion upgrade of the A9 and a £3 billion guided bus network for Glasgow, but here's the rail part:
Electrification of the strategic rail network
Aim: To work towards creating an electrified rail network across Scotland to reduce journey times, operating costs and emissions. Currently, only 23 per cent of the Scottish rail network is electrified. Electrification of the network would be a long-term package of works, rolling out over sections in phases. There is already a commitment to electrification as part of the Edinburgh to Glasgow rail improvement programme. Other Central Belt routes and routes north to Aberdeen and Inverness would follow. This large-scale project will bring significant environmental benefits, reducing energy consumption and emissions and enabling new routes and services to be introduced.
Reconfiguration of the National Rail Timetable
Aim: To reduce public transport journey times, particularly between Aberdeen / Inverness and the Central Belt. This work involves re-casting the national rail timetable to provide fast, limited-stop trains for longer-distance journeys along with an adequate number of semi-fast services serving intermediate stations. This will have the effect of reducing train journey times between Aberdeen / Inverness and the Central Belt by up to 20 minutes, helping to attract passengers from cars onto rail.
Integrated Ticketing
Aim: To introduce a national, integrated ticketing system which will allow people to travel seamlessly on all modes of transport using one ticket. Measures to incorporate integrated ticketing would include introducing smartcard technology, similar to schemes operating in London and other European cities, and investing in equipment at sales facilities, terminals, on buses and trams and for back-office systems. A ‘one ticket’ system would make public transport more accessible, easier to use and more attractive.
Rail system enhancements
Aim: To improve the current rail system’s overall operational performance by making improvements at points in the network which are operating close to capacity. The project involves rolling out operational and relatively small-scale individual infrastructure measures which will improve efficiency, reduce journey times and allow more trains to use the network. Activities would include replacing and upgrading signalling, improving track layout at junctions and adding new loops of track and double track.
East of Scotland rail improvements.
Aim: To provide more capacity and more rail services in the East of Scotland on some of Scotland’s busiest rail lines. This project will consist of a wide range of works and new initiatives, including new, more frequent or faster train services between West Calder and Haymarket, Edinburgh and Newcraighall, Edinburgh and Dunbar, Edinburgh and Cowdenbeath and Haymarket and Kirkcaldy. Additional rolling stock and new facilities to support these services would be introduced and parts of the network remodelled to include new signals and new loops of track. This project would help protect the 60-minute commutable area to Edinburgh, opening up employment opportunities, and would be expected to reduce
Edinburgh to Glasgow rail improvements
Aim: To enhance rail services between Edinburgh and Glasgow to improve access to jobs, increase public transport capacity, reduce car journeys and encourage travel by public transport. The Edinburgh to Glasgow rail improvements project will involve a number of elements including electrified railway between Edinburgh and Glasgow, a new station at Gogar to serve Edinburgh Airport and a new curve at Dalmeny to enable access to the new station. This would allow six trains per hour to run between Edinburgh and Glasgow Queen Street and three trains per hour between Edinburgh and Glasgow Central. It would also give access to Edinburgh Park for Edinburgh to Glasgow services.
Highland mainline rail improvements
Aim: To improve rail network capacity for passengers and freight between Inverness and Perth. This package of works would comprise additional loops, double-track sections, line gauge enhancements and new and improved signals, as well as the use of more powerful traction. Together with the removal of freight train speed limits below 75 mph, this is expected to help reduce journey times by around 35 minutes making rail an attractive alternative for passengers and freight.
Rail improvements between Aberdeen and Inverness
Aim: To reduce journey time and increase frequency of service on the train between Aberdeen and Inverness. Improvements to the rail line between Aberdeen and Inverness as part of this proposal would include new loops and line speed improvements, dual track sections and a new station at Dalcross with Park & Ride and an interchange to Inverness Airport. This would allow the introduction of more trains per day between Inverness and Aberdeen (at least one per hour) and additional rail services between Nairn and Inverness (two per hour).
Grangemouth road and rail access upgrades
Aim: To improve rail access to Grangemouth port and the freight hub and road access to and from the motorway network. On the roads, the Grangemouth project will involve an upgrade to Junction 6 on the M9 and the A801 between Grangemouth and the M8. On the rail, it would see electrifi cation of the railway between Coatbridge and Grangemouth, track modifi cations to improve access from the west and east and an increased loading gauge to allow larger containers to be carried by train. This project will help serve existing and developing industrial and distribution facilities along the M8.
Upgrade Edinburgh Haymarket
Aim: To signifi cantly improve the public transport interchange in Edinburgh, improving links to the airport and enhancing rail capacity. The Haymarket upgrade project is about improving platform level access at Edinburgh Haymarket and developing a new concourse on platform level. This will help ensure the interchange is able to cope with the anticipated 50 per cent increase in rail demand forecast for between 2005 and 2022 and create opportunities for passengers to transfer between rail, tram and bus, making it easier to get around the city and to key locations such as the airport.
Rail improvements between Aberdeen and the Central Belt
Aim: To make travelling by rail between Aberdeen and the Central Belt more competitive than road journeys for passengers and freight. This project will entail a number of initiatives being introduced in phases: Phase 1 would include re-working the passenger train timetable on the Aberdeen-Dundee – Edinburgh-Glasgow route to provide: One express train an hour to Glasgow (2¼-hour journey) One express train an hour to Edinburgh (2-hour journey) Separate stopping services for intermediate stations.
West of Scotland strategic rail enhancements
Aim: To increase rail capacity in central Glasgow and increase public transport access to areas of economic activity and to key public services. This project includes a wide range of measures to improve capacity and cross-city travel in Glasgow. The development of this project will build on improvements to be delivered through the Edinburgh to Glasgow Improvements Programme. Significant works could include developing a Metro/Light Rapid Transit network across Glasgow and/or a new city centre station.
Rail enhancements between Inverclyde, Ayrshire and Glasgow
Aim: To increase rail capacity and reduce journey times between Inverclyde, Ayrshire and Glasgow. This project is likely to require the following infrastructure enhancements: Signalling upgrades between Kilwinning and Paisley Reopening the line from Elderslie to Paisley Canal Electrifying existing Paisley Canal branch Increasing track capacity between Glasgow and Paisley Turnback facilities, extended loops and new loops at various points on the lines Additional platform capacity at Glasgow Central and general improvements to stations along the route. This would allow the introduction of four trains per hour between Glasgow and Ayr, Glasgow and Kilmarnock, and Glasgow and Gourock, based on a two semi-fast, two stopping timetable. Four trains per hour could be provided between Glasgow and Johnstone with two trains per hour between Glasgow and Wemyss Bay.
West Coast mainline rail freight improvements
Aim: To provide greater opportunity to move freight by rail rather than road between Scotland and England. This project could interact with any similar proposals developed by the Department for Transport on the West Coast mainline south of Carlisle. Examples of work between the Border and Glasgow would be lengthening of loops of track, removing speed limits below 75mph for freight trains and increasing the loading gauge and freight terminal capacity. A new line would be provided between Mossend and Coatbridge which would involve the construction of an overbridge across the A8 and M8.
Inverkeithing to Halbeath railway line
Aim: To reduce train journey times from Edinburgh to Perth, Aberdeen and Inverness and local Fife services and improve access to the port of Rosyth. This project would involve the construction of a direct, dual-track rail link between Inverkeithing and Halbeath with new rail junctions at each location. A Park & Ride facility would be provided at Halbeath. These works would assist commuters to Edinburgh, long distance train passengers and provide
http://www.transportbriefing.co.uk/story.php?id=5380
Electrification of the strategic rail network
Aim: To work towards creating an electrified rail network across Scotland to reduce journey times, operating costs and emissions. Currently, only 23 per cent of the Scottish rail network is electrified. Electrification of the network would be a long-term package of works, rolling out over sections in phases. There is already a commitment to electrification as part of the Edinburgh to Glasgow rail improvement programme. Other Central Belt routes and routes north to Aberdeen and Inverness would follow. This large-scale project will bring significant environmental benefits, reducing energy consumption and emissions and enabling new routes and services to be introduced.
Reconfiguration of the National Rail Timetable
Aim: To reduce public transport journey times, particularly between Aberdeen / Inverness and the Central Belt. This work involves re-casting the national rail timetable to provide fast, limited-stop trains for longer-distance journeys along with an adequate number of semi-fast services serving intermediate stations. This will have the effect of reducing train journey times between Aberdeen / Inverness and the Central Belt by up to 20 minutes, helping to attract passengers from cars onto rail.
Integrated Ticketing
Aim: To introduce a national, integrated ticketing system which will allow people to travel seamlessly on all modes of transport using one ticket. Measures to incorporate integrated ticketing would include introducing smartcard technology, similar to schemes operating in London and other European cities, and investing in equipment at sales facilities, terminals, on buses and trams and for back-office systems. A ‘one ticket’ system would make public transport more accessible, easier to use and more attractive.
Rail system enhancements
Aim: To improve the current rail system’s overall operational performance by making improvements at points in the network which are operating close to capacity. The project involves rolling out operational and relatively small-scale individual infrastructure measures which will improve efficiency, reduce journey times and allow more trains to use the network. Activities would include replacing and upgrading signalling, improving track layout at junctions and adding new loops of track and double track.
East of Scotland rail improvements.
Aim: To provide more capacity and more rail services in the East of Scotland on some of Scotland’s busiest rail lines. This project will consist of a wide range of works and new initiatives, including new, more frequent or faster train services between West Calder and Haymarket, Edinburgh and Newcraighall, Edinburgh and Dunbar, Edinburgh and Cowdenbeath and Haymarket and Kirkcaldy. Additional rolling stock and new facilities to support these services would be introduced and parts of the network remodelled to include new signals and new loops of track. This project would help protect the 60-minute commutable area to Edinburgh, opening up employment opportunities, and would be expected to reduce
Edinburgh to Glasgow rail improvements
Aim: To enhance rail services between Edinburgh and Glasgow to improve access to jobs, increase public transport capacity, reduce car journeys and encourage travel by public transport. The Edinburgh to Glasgow rail improvements project will involve a number of elements including electrified railway between Edinburgh and Glasgow, a new station at Gogar to serve Edinburgh Airport and a new curve at Dalmeny to enable access to the new station. This would allow six trains per hour to run between Edinburgh and Glasgow Queen Street and three trains per hour between Edinburgh and Glasgow Central. It would also give access to Edinburgh Park for Edinburgh to Glasgow services.
Highland mainline rail improvements
Aim: To improve rail network capacity for passengers and freight between Inverness and Perth. This package of works would comprise additional loops, double-track sections, line gauge enhancements and new and improved signals, as well as the use of more powerful traction. Together with the removal of freight train speed limits below 75 mph, this is expected to help reduce journey times by around 35 minutes making rail an attractive alternative for passengers and freight.
Rail improvements between Aberdeen and Inverness
Aim: To reduce journey time and increase frequency of service on the train between Aberdeen and Inverness. Improvements to the rail line between Aberdeen and Inverness as part of this proposal would include new loops and line speed improvements, dual track sections and a new station at Dalcross with Park & Ride and an interchange to Inverness Airport. This would allow the introduction of more trains per day between Inverness and Aberdeen (at least one per hour) and additional rail services between Nairn and Inverness (two per hour).
Grangemouth road and rail access upgrades
Aim: To improve rail access to Grangemouth port and the freight hub and road access to and from the motorway network. On the roads, the Grangemouth project will involve an upgrade to Junction 6 on the M9 and the A801 between Grangemouth and the M8. On the rail, it would see electrifi cation of the railway between Coatbridge and Grangemouth, track modifi cations to improve access from the west and east and an increased loading gauge to allow larger containers to be carried by train. This project will help serve existing and developing industrial and distribution facilities along the M8.
Upgrade Edinburgh Haymarket
Aim: To signifi cantly improve the public transport interchange in Edinburgh, improving links to the airport and enhancing rail capacity. The Haymarket upgrade project is about improving platform level access at Edinburgh Haymarket and developing a new concourse on platform level. This will help ensure the interchange is able to cope with the anticipated 50 per cent increase in rail demand forecast for between 2005 and 2022 and create opportunities for passengers to transfer between rail, tram and bus, making it easier to get around the city and to key locations such as the airport.
Rail improvements between Aberdeen and the Central Belt
Aim: To make travelling by rail between Aberdeen and the Central Belt more competitive than road journeys for passengers and freight. This project will entail a number of initiatives being introduced in phases: Phase 1 would include re-working the passenger train timetable on the Aberdeen-Dundee – Edinburgh-Glasgow route to provide: One express train an hour to Glasgow (2¼-hour journey) One express train an hour to Edinburgh (2-hour journey) Separate stopping services for intermediate stations.
West of Scotland strategic rail enhancements
Aim: To increase rail capacity in central Glasgow and increase public transport access to areas of economic activity and to key public services. This project includes a wide range of measures to improve capacity and cross-city travel in Glasgow. The development of this project will build on improvements to be delivered through the Edinburgh to Glasgow Improvements Programme. Significant works could include developing a Metro/Light Rapid Transit network across Glasgow and/or a new city centre station.
Rail enhancements between Inverclyde, Ayrshire and Glasgow
Aim: To increase rail capacity and reduce journey times between Inverclyde, Ayrshire and Glasgow. This project is likely to require the following infrastructure enhancements: Signalling upgrades between Kilwinning and Paisley Reopening the line from Elderslie to Paisley Canal Electrifying existing Paisley Canal branch Increasing track capacity between Glasgow and Paisley Turnback facilities, extended loops and new loops at various points on the lines Additional platform capacity at Glasgow Central and general improvements to stations along the route. This would allow the introduction of four trains per hour between Glasgow and Ayr, Glasgow and Kilmarnock, and Glasgow and Gourock, based on a two semi-fast, two stopping timetable. Four trains per hour could be provided between Glasgow and Johnstone with two trains per hour between Glasgow and Wemyss Bay.
West Coast mainline rail freight improvements
Aim: To provide greater opportunity to move freight by rail rather than road between Scotland and England. This project could interact with any similar proposals developed by the Department for Transport on the West Coast mainline south of Carlisle. Examples of work between the Border and Glasgow would be lengthening of loops of track, removing speed limits below 75mph for freight trains and increasing the loading gauge and freight terminal capacity. A new line would be provided between Mossend and Coatbridge which would involve the construction of an overbridge across the A8 and M8.
Inverkeithing to Halbeath railway line
Aim: To reduce train journey times from Edinburgh to Perth, Aberdeen and Inverness and local Fife services and improve access to the port of Rosyth. This project would involve the construction of a direct, dual-track rail link between Inverkeithing and Halbeath with new rail junctions at each location. A Park & Ride facility would be provided at Halbeath. These works would assist commuters to Edinburgh, long distance train passengers and provide
http://www.transportbriefing.co.uk/story.php?id=5380
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