£5bn rail network overhaul revealed

Jun 21 2012

An overhaul of the train network worth £5 billion over five years has been announced by the transport minister.

Changes include a longer contract for the ScotRail brand, a separate franchise for the sleeper service and fare regulation designed to protect commuters and rural passengers, Keith Brown told the Scottish Parliament.

"Rail must form a key part of a fully-integrated transport system," he said.

"Rail passengers are also cyclists, bus users and ferry passengers. It is essential for everyone that journeys are joined-up. 2014 is a real opportunity for us to make this happen, with new contracts for rail passenger services and a new funding agreement for Network Rail."

In a statement, he outlined the Government's ambition for the next franchise holder after 2014. The franchise to operate ScotRail will be extended from seven to 10 years with a potential break halfway to "encourage investment", he said.

The sleeper contract will run separately for 15 years, prompting claims by the RMT union that it will be left open to asset-stripping and could be run into the ground.

Mr Brown highlighted the sleeper as a "cherished service" which has already attracted funds from Holyrood and Westminster to keep it viable. "The sleeper is more than just a train service, it is part of a holiday, it is a business office and it is a hotel," he said.

"The Caledonian Sleeper is special to passengers and it is special to Scotland. Users should be clear, the improvements will be seen in the next few years and a separate, longer franchise, coupled with over £100 million of investment, will give this historic service the 21st-century future it deserves."

He also faced criticism over his timetable for some improvements for passengers. Wi-fi is expected to be in place by 2019, following a pilot scheme announced this week, while "smart ticketing" across public transport is only expected by the end of the next franchise in 2024.

On fares, Mr Brown suggested regulation could lead to lower prices on some services. "We will also look to the next franchisee to increase passenger numbers through innovative fares packages, building on the Stranraer promotion, where fares will be reduced by 65%," he said.