This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
Listen
Future of Strathclyde Passenger Transport
08/11/2005
Transport Minister Tavish Scott and Councillor Alistair Watson, Chair of Strathclyde Passenger Transport, issued a joint statement following a meeting today to discuss the future of local rail services in the west of Scotland.
The Minister said:
"I am very pleased an agreement between ourselves and SPT has now been reached. We've been able to provide additional reassurances sought for staff, which we were always committed to achieving.
"I want to move forward on building on the success of rail services across Scotland. Rail passengers want to know their trains will run on time, be clean and affordable. That's a shared agenda for this devolved government and our transport partners."
Councillor Watson said he was pleased with his meeting with Tavish Scott as one of his main obstacles to the agreement has now been cleared; the continued role of SPT in developing, monitoring and managing the rail network in the West of Scotland for the term of the existing franchise. He said that this was a huge boost of confidence for SPT and he looked forward to working closely with the Executive in delivering rail projects.
He also welcomed the Minister's reassurance that brand identity is an important tool in the growing of the rail network.
Scottish Ministers assumed new powers to operate the rail network in October.
The powers will allow the devolved government to:
- determine the long term future for rail in Scotland
- manage and monitor the performance of the rail franchise, with sole responsibility for securing future franchise agreements ensuring services meet passengers needs
- fund and control the tracks through Network Rail ensuring all parts of the rail system are joined up