This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Routes of airport rail links announced
12/03/2003
The preferred rail routes to Edinburgh and Glasgow airports were announced today.
The link to Edinburgh airport will see the construction of a tunnel under the runway providing a potential ten trains an hour linking the airport to the rest of the Scottish network, including Edinburgh Waverley, Glasgow, Stirling, Aberdeen and Fife as well as links to Newcastle. Subject to planning and parliamentary approval, the link could be in place by the end of 2010.
The link to Glasgow airport from the city's Central Station via Paisley will provide a 15 minute direct link to the airport with four trains an hour. This will also allow for improvements to links to Prestwick airport as well as improved links to Renfrewshire, Inverclyde and Ayr. This is expected to be up and running in 2008.
Transport Minister Iain Gray said:
"Today's announcement demonstrates our commitment to both Edinburgh and Glasgow airports and underlines their importance to the Scottish economy. These links will offer real transport improvements not only to those visiting Scotland on business or on holiday, but also for the hundreds of people who pass through these airports on their daily business.
"Securing record resources for transport in the recent Scottish budget means that over the next ten years, there will be £3 billion available to improve our transport infrastructure. This means financial provision will be made for both airport rail links.
"That is why I am pleased to be able to confirm today immediate funding for the next stage of both these projects with £3 million for Strathclyde Passenger Transport and a £5 million package for Transport Initiatives Edinburgh to undertake design and engineering work and preparation for the necessary Parliamentary powers."
The new Edinburgh rail route will have the potential for ten trains per hour stopping at the airport. There will be direct links to Aberdeen, Glasgow, Stirling, Fife and south to Newcastle. Subject to Parliamentary approval, construction could begin in 2006 with completion possible in 2010.
The report's preliminary study estimated possible total capital costs for the Edinburgh link at £368 million plus a mandatory HM Treasury 44% optimism bias to comply with revised Treasury guidance. This is used to take account of over optimism during the assessment of projects and gives a safety net costing which may not necessarily be required.
The £5 million package announced today will be part funded by the Executive through the Integrated Transport Fund, with contributions from BAA and Scottish Enterprise. Further work will be required to establish the contributions for the final funding.
On the Edinburgh route, the Minister said:
"I am delighted to be able to announce our preferred rail link to Edinburgh airport today. This will link the airport with the rest of the Scottish network, including links to Fife, Stirling, Aberdeen and Glasgow as well as direct to Newcastle.
"The new route will provide a potential ten trains an hour connecting to the airport with a service not only benefiting those who visit Scotland on business or on holiday but rail passengers in general.
"I am pleased today to be able to confirm a £5 million package of financial support in partnership with BAA and Scottish Enterprise for Transport Initiatives Edinburgh to now take the project forward to the next stage. This will enable them to carry out design and engineering work as well as press forward with the necessary Parliamentary powers."
The Minister added:
"I am delighted to be able to announce today that Glasgow will be the first city in Scotland to have a direct rail link to its airport. This will bring economic and tourism benefits, not only to the city but also to its neighbouring towns as well.
"Glasgow will also be the only city to have direct rail links to three international airports. This will enhance the city's profile as a top business and holiday location and provide a valuable boost to the economic vitality of the West of Scotland.
"I have listened to businesses who have repeatedly stressed the need to move quickly to achieve the airport rail link. This we are doing and it will also improve links to Prestwick airport. We have chosen the most direct route which will provide a fast 15 minute journey which passengers should be able to enjoy from 2008. It will also improve links to Renfrewshire, Inverclyde and Ayr."
Scotland's Transport: Delivering Improvements was published by the Executive on March 21, 2002 and identified the provision of rail links to Glasgow and Edinburgh airports as key priorities.
The Executive, in association with BAA, Scottish Enterprise, the Strategic Rail Authority and the Department for Transport, commissioned consultants Sinclair Knight Merz in November 2001 to do a detailed economic and engineering study of the viability of linking Glasgow and Edinburgh airports to the rail network.