ScotRail 40th birthday

[Falcon1200]

Removal of absolute block signalling in main lines to Inverness and Aberdeen, modernised stabling facilities in Aberdeen and Inverness, longer platforms. In addition, Borders line should’ve been electrified from newly built with extended or complete double tracking. Just a few examples.

Interesting points, but I would still dispute that there has been 'minimal investment in infrastructure' - Having the Borders Railway at all is a fantastic achievement, and was a huge investment in itself, goldplating it with electrification and double tracking would have stopped it being built at all.

 

[Buzby]

But if ScotRail is to take credit for this….. are they not a TOC? Infrastructure is/was the responsibility of Network Rail or is my brain addled with needless complications?

 

[Bill57p9]

I would also add schemes such as reopening of Airdrie to Bathgate, Cumbernauld to Falkirk and Alloa plus the bidirectional fast between Shields Junction and Paisley.

The railway in Scotland is far from perfect but does seem to show steady investment in infrastructure.
The rolling stock somewhat less so, soon to be the last bastion of passenger HSTs and 320/321.
Service cuts persisting from COVID are also a let down.

 

[GordonT]

I would also add schemes such as reopening of Airdrie to Bathgate, Cumbernauld to Falkirk and Alloa plus the bidirectional fast between Shields Junction and Paisley.

The railway in Scotland is far from perfect but does seem to show steady investment in infrastructure.
The rolling stock somewhat less so, soon to be the last bastion of passenger HSTs and 320/321.
Service cuts persisting from COVID are also a let down.

All valid points. A lot these days depends on decisions taken by political paymasters which can be encouraging e.g. the Levenmouth reopening or arguably less so e.g. Glasgow Airport extension.

 

[AlistairCowell]

The rolling stock somewhat less so, soon to be the last bastion of passenger HSTs and 320/321.

So as the Class 318, which is basically a 3-car Class 317.

ScotRail will certainly be the last operator in the country to do away with them, which will be replaced in within a decade.