S6W-32516

Asked by: Greene, Jamie (Scottish Liberal Democrats - West Scotland)

Question

To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on what steps it is taking to encourage increased use of public transport, in light of recently reported disruption, delays and staff shortages on the ScotRail network.

Answered by Hyslop, Fiona - Cabinet Secretary for Transport

Any cancellations, delays or disruptions are disappointing and we recognise the impact that this has on rail users. However cancellations represent a small percentage of the overall number of ScotRail services. ScotRail’s performance is consistently higher than the GB network average.

I refer the member to the answer to the question S6W-32514 on 8 January 2025. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/written-questions-and-answers

S6W-31854

Asked by: Boyack, Sarah (Scottish Labour - Lothian)

Question

To ask the Scottish Government, in light of the publication of the second Strategic Transport Projects Review (STPR2), what action it has taken to (a) progress recommendation 40, which recommended improving access to Stranraer and ports at Cairnryan and (b) encourage greater use of public transport.

Answered by Hyslop, Fiona - Cabinet Secretary for Transport

STPR2 is a long term framework for investment in transport infrastructure, which will drive decision making for Scotland’s strategic transport system.

Recommendation 40 notes that safety, resilience and reliability improvements are made on both the A75 and A77 trunk roads. Progress on this recommendation is being made. Specifically, regarding the further investigation of the bypassing of Springholm and Crocketford. Whereby, technical advisors have recently been appointed to take forward the design development work for this section of the A75. Furthermore, signalisation of the Cuckoo Bridge roundabout is due to commence in March 2025. Moreover, there are works programmed for signage improvements in Crocketford and junction improvements at the A75 Haugh of Urr junction in 2024/2025 financial year.

Recommendation 40 also endorses a review of an upgrade or relocation of Stranraer Railway Station. Transport Scotland and Network Rail continue to engage with the community and wider rail industry partners as these plans develop. Any future changes to the railway station will require a robust business case, available funding and the following of standard railway industry processes.

Regarding part (b) of the question, as announced in the Draft Budget statement on 4 December, we will invest more than £2.6 billion in 2025-26 to support public transport across Scotland and make our public transport system more available and accessible for all.

The Scottish Government is committed to keeping the public transport as affordable as possible for the users through a range of measures which help incentivise and maximise use.

S6W-30686

Asked by: Cole-Hamilton, Alex (Scottish Liberal Democrats - Edinburgh Western)

Question

To ask the Scottish Government what progress has been made towards completing the partial electrification of the Fife Circle, in light of its final completion being due by December 2025.

Answered by Hyslop, Fiona - Cabinet Secretary for Transport

As reported in the Infrastructure Investment Plan 2021-22 to 2025-26, Major capital projects progress update (December 2023), I can advise that a refresh of the Rail Services Decarbonisation Action Plan is underway. Timescales for this project will be updated in the light of current affordability constraints as part of the wider programme and the rolling stock procurement exercise.

Meanwhile, progress with development work for this project continues and I am pleased to confirm that a contract to provide a new electrification Feeder Station at Thornton has been placed with National Grid PLC.

Mentions:
1: Adam Price (Plaid Cymru - None) Think about this: a world-class rail-testing facility in the heart of our western Valleys. - Speech Link
2: Ken Skates (Welsh Labour - None) I would very much like to see rail track preserved and protected for future use. - Speech Link

S6W-30662

Asked by: Callaghan, Stephanie (Scottish National Party - Uddingston and Bellshill)

Question

To ask the Scottish Government, in light of the ScotRail peak fares removal pilot ending, what measures it is taking to ensure that ScotRail remains an affordable transport option for students, and what consideration has been given to implementing a student discount on rail fares to support accessible and sustainable travel for young people.

Answered by Hyslop, Fiona - Cabinet Secretary for Transport

The Young Scot National Entitlement Card (NEC), funded by the Scottish Government, offers young people concessionary travel on ScotRail services. This includes a third off most rail fares and 50% off weekly and monthly season tickets. There are no time restrictions on travel when using a Young Scot NEC to purchase a weekly or monthly season ticket.

We are also providing over £350m of support through our National Concessionary Travel Schemes (NCTS), allowing free bus travel for young people under 22. With over 3 million journeys every week, these schemes are helping people all across Scotland, including young people, to cut costs for essential, every day and leisure travel, making sustainable travel a more attractive option which will support our net zero ambitions.

Oct. 16 2024

Found: of funding for Active Travel infrastructure and Behavioural change, the continued progress of our rail