Scottish Strategic Rail Study

Scottish Strategic Rail Study - Final Report

SCOTTISH STRATEGIC RAIL STUDY: Working Paper 5: Option Development

5. HIGH RESOURCE SCENARIO

5.1 We set out our 'high resource scenarios' for each area in this section. They are, by their very nature, aspirational and their description in the text reflects this in so far as we have tried to set out a vision of rail that addresses the planning objectives for each of the areas. The achievability and the value for money of achieving this vision are outputs of an iterative exercise which will see the high resource scenarios whittled down and tested against medium and low resource scenarios.

SESTRAN

5.2 The SWOT analysis for the SESTRAN area identified that Edinburgh's economic growth and the linkage between rail and new developments are key opportunities for rail within the SESTRAN area. Additionally, poor reliability, overcrowding, inter-modal access and service frequencies (below desired levels in some areas) were identified as weaknesses. The analysis also indicated that key areas of the rail network are operating at capacity. These bottlenecks contribute to the reliability problems and prevent increases in service frequencies.

5.3 The High Level resource scenario is detailed in Table 16. The underlying theme to this scenario is an urban/suburban train service centred on Edinburgh that is frequent and reliable and has sufficient capacity to meet demand. The standards defined in Chapters 2 and 3 would be met. Rail would also form one component of an integrated multi-modal system with the stations acting as well facilitated interchange points and ease of transfer between modes aided by good information, customer service and an integrated ticketing system.

5.4 Given the fact that there are capacity bottlenecks within the SESTRAN area substantial major facilitating projects would be required to meet the aspirational targets set. Some projects, however, can be undertaken without the need to address the significant capacity bottlenecks. These are:

Platform and train lengthening projects on the Fife Circle and the Bathgate line to reduce overcrowding;
Alloa branch re-opening and new station at Alloa to develop new markets for rail;
New stations at Edinburgh Park (Bathgate and Dunblane services) and Shawfair and Portobello (Crossrail) to increase integration with land use patterns;
Ground side projects aimed at improving inter-modal access (e.g. car parks, bus bays, taxi facilities), information provision, security (e.g. CCTV) and general customer service. All of which contribute to making the rail system easier to use.

5.5 Interactions between all components of the rail system mean that other local projects (e.g. other station re-openings, new routes or increased train frequencies) require significant capacity enhancements. It is considered that three major projects will facilitate the required capacity. These are:

Edinburgh Waverley re-building (includes approaches to east and west)
Edinburgh Airport (includes addressing capacity bottlenecks at Newbridge junction)
Forth Bridge (allow 2 trains travelling in the same direction to be on the bridge at the same time)

5.6 The construction of these three major facilitating projects allows the implementation of a package of measures that includes:

Increased frequencies on existing routes to increase the capability of the system (North Berwick, Dunbar, Bathgate and Fife Circle)
New routes to develop new markets (Borders rail, Penicuik line, Bathgate to Airdrie and Edinburgh South Suburban)
New stations (on lines that operate at capacity) to develop new markets (Portobello, East Linton and new stations on Fife Circle)

5.7 The increase in capacity provided by these facilitating projects will also improve reliability thereby increasing the capability of the system.

Table 16 SESTRAN High Resource Scenario

Project		Description
MAJOR FACILITATING TYPE PROJECTS
Edinburgh Waverley		The project is a major upgrade of the terminal & related infrastructure, and will rebuild Edinburgh Waverley station to provide additional platforms, new approaches to the east and west and a major station upgrade (relates to Railtrack Capacity Studies on Waverley to Haymarket, Haymarket to Newbridge and Haymarket to Dalmeny)
Edinburgh Airport Link		This project is a major infrastructure upgrade and a new Airport station would be provided, as a through station, underneath the Airport terminal. New station at Winchburgh. (relates to Railtrack Capacity Studies on Haymarket to Newbridge and Haymarket to Dalmeny)
Forth Bridge		A project to improve the rail capacity of the Forth Bridge and allow more than one train on the bridge at the same time in the same direction (relates to Railtrack Capacity Study on Dalmeny to Inverkeithing)
WHOLE TYPE PROJECTS
Alloa Branch Reopening		Extend Glasgow to Stirling service to Alloa (the service would be every 30 minutes - see inter-regional section §5.30). Re-instate the line between Stirling and Alloa for passenger trains and Alloa to Longannet for freight. New Station at Alloa.
Borders Rail Link (Waverley Route)		The new borders service would be every 30 minutes. A project to reopen the rail line between Edinburgh and Galashiels/Tweedbank, utilises part of the recently opened Crossrail service between Edinburgh and Newcraighall. New stations at Eskbank, Newtongrange, Gorebridge, Galashiels and Tweedbank.
Reopening line to Penicuik (Millerhill- Bilston Glen)		The new Penicuik service would be every 30 minutes. Reopened rail link to Penicuik. will utilise part of the crossrail service and part of Borders rail link. New stations at Danderhall, Millerhill, Loanhead and Penicuik
Bathgate - Airdrie reopening		New service every 15 minutes between Edinburgh and Glasgow via Bathgate. Re-open the link between Bathgate and Airdrie (Drumgelloch) to enable services to be reinstated between Livingston North/Bathgate and Glasgow. New station at Boghall. (relates to Railtrack Capacity Study Bathgate branch)
Edinburgh South Suburban Railway		Includes re-opening stations at Piershill, Jewel/Asda, Niddrie, Craigmillar, Cameron Toll, Newington, Blackford (Hill), Morningside, Craiglockhart, Gorgie, Murrayfield. Waverley to Waverley circular service every 15 minutes (both directions)
GROUPED TYPE PROJECTS
Provision of longer trains: Fife Circle		To reduce overcrowding lengthen platforms on the Fife Circle to enable longer trains to operate (6-car)
Provision of longer trains: Edinburgh - Bathgate Edinburgh -Dunblane		To reduce overcrowding lengthen platforms on the Bathgate and Dunblane lines to enable longer trains to operate (6 car).
Enhanced Edinburgh Fife Circle service (Frequency)		(i) Increase local service frequency to Cowdenbeath to every 20 minutes and to Kirkcaldy to every 20 minutes. (ii) Increase service frequency on north section of Fife circle (Cowdenbeath to Kirkcaldy) to every 20 minutes New stations at northern part of circle at Kirkcaldy East, Turnhouse [Airport] and Halbeath
Enhanced Edinburgh - N. Berwick service		Increase service frequency to every 30 minutes. Need to carry out minor infrastructure upgrades to enable an enhanced service to operate (relates to Railtrack Capacity Study Portobello to Niddrie South)
Edinburgh - Dunbar local service		Provision of a new local service (every 30 minutes) between Edinburgh and Dunbar. New station at East Linton (Relates to Railtrack Capacity Study Portobello to Niddrie South and Monktonhall to Drem)
Train Quality		See Chapter 2 for standards
Customer Service		See Chapter 2 for standards
Multi-Modal Ticket		A facility to provide a single ticket for journeys using a combination of public transport in SESTRAN area
Ticket Purchase Simplified		Purchase to be simplified, with outlets available on station (ticket office and/or ticket machines), on board trains (and buses) and also in selected retail outlets in communities. Consideration given to e-sales and telesales.
Pricing Simplified		Pricing to be on a simplified basis - easily understood and reflecting value for money, with selected offers to encourage longer term use of the facility
FLEXIBLE TYPE PROJECTS
Edinburgh Park Station (new)		To service established and growing commercial developments. Served by Bathgate and Dunblane (Crossrail)
Station Quality		See Chapter 2 for standards
Improved inter-modal access.		Improved access by car at Dalmeny, South Gyle, Musselburgh, Wallyford, Uphall, Livingston South stations Improved access by foot and bicycle at Curriehill, West Hailes, Kingsknowe, Slateford stations.
Improved inter-modal access and facilities		Improved access by car, bus and taxi interchange and passenger facilities including DDA compliance at Markinch, Kirkcaldy, Inverkeithing and Dunfermline stations.
Bathgate Station (improved)		To improve the existing station at Bathgate to include interchange improvements, car parking and passenger improvements including DDA compliance.
Shawfair Station (new)		To serve new commercial and residential developments. Served by Crossrail extension.
Portobello Station (new)		Served by Crossrail.

SPT

5.8 The SPT area contains the second largest UK regional rail network in the UK and the largest outside of London. The rail network has strong social inclusion functions and is characterised by high mode share and a lot of purely urban/local movements. An important characteristic of the SPT area is that some of it has experienced economic decline. The rail network therefore forms a key regeneration function additional to its social inclusion function. However, a weakness in the ability of the railway to perform this role is that some of the key development areas (Pacific Quay, Clyde Corridor, Braehead and the airport) are not well served by rail. Additionally, there is a lack of connectivity between the north and the south parts of the network, due to the fact that there are two terminating stations in Glasgow.

5.9 Key rail network capacity pinch points occur within the system, particularly in the city centre area and at the peripheries of the network where single track sections of track exist. Such capacity pinch points lead to reliability problems (e.g. delays and train cancellations). They also cause difficulties in planning improvements, such as new stations and enhanced frequencies. Additionally, the rail system is subject to peak hour overcrowding into and out of Glasgow lowering the quality of the journey experience for the rail user. The principal infrastructure constraints are:

Glasgow Central Station
Glasgow Central to Paisley
Glasgow Queen Street to Cowlairs
Hyndland to Partick
Balloch Branch
Milngavie Branch
Barrhead to Kilmarnock line
East Kilbride line

5.10 Additionally, despite the high level of satisfaction experienced by rail users there is a poor perception of rail amongst non-users; accessibility to the rail network and personal safety and reliability are issues for these non-users.

5.11 The underlying theme to the High Level resource scenario is a metro style urban/suburban train service centred on Glasgow that is frequent and reliable and has sufficient capacity to meet demand. The network would maintain its important role with respect to social inclusion and would increase its market penetration with links to the airport and improved connectivity between the north and the south parts of Glasgow. The standards defined in Chapters 2 and 3 would be met. Rail would continue to form one component of an integrated multi-modal system. The stations would act as well facilitated interchange points and ease of transfer between modes would be aided by good information, customer service and the existing integrated ticketing system.

5.12 Given the fact that there are capacity bottlenecks within the SPT area substantial major facilitating projects are required to meet aspirations. Some projects, however, can be undertaken without the need to address the significant capacity bottlenecks. These are:

Sunday service enhancements
Platform and train lengthenings (Ayrshire and East Kilbride lines)
A service enhancement to the Ayrshire service
several new stations could be opened where line capacity allows
Electrification of the Rutherglen to Coatbridge line
Half hourly service to Kilmarnock
Ground side projects aimed at improving inter-modal access (e.g. car parks, bus bays, taxi facilities), information provision, security (e.g. CCTV) and general customer service. All of which contribute to making the rail system easier to use.

5.13 Other enhancements would require facilitating projects to address capacity constraints identified earlier (see §5.9). The major facilitating projects would be those detailed in Table 17.

Table 17 SPT High Resource Scenario Major Facilitating projects

Project	Description
MAJOR FACILITATING TYPE PROJECTS
Glasgow City Tunnel	This project includes a tunnel under the city centre linking the lines into Central HL (at Pollokshields and Bridge Junctions) and Queen Street HL (at Cowlairs Junctions). An underground station under the heart of the city centre would be linked by direct walkway / escalator to the two Low Level stations. Many services, both suburban and inter regional, would operate through, opening up new connections between the north and south of the region.
Glasgow Cross City (Strathbungo Link)	This project gives increased north/south connectivity and gives a better distribution of passengers from the south side of Glasgow around the city center. It also alleviates capacity issues at Glasgow Central station. New stations would be provided at Glasgow Cross and Gorbals.
Glasgow Airport Link	This project incorporates a new Airport station, a new line to Paisley St James (Option GA1), and upgrading the Paisley - Glasgow central section to four tracks throughout. Frequent services would operate from Glasgow Airport to Glasgow (Cross City station and Central station ), both stopping and inter regional, offering links to a wide range of places.

5.14 The service provisions for this scenario are detailed in Table 18.. These represent a substantial enhancement against the existing situation to give a metro style service throughout the SPT area as well as providing increased north/south connectivity. Table 19 details the ground side projects and associated infrastructure projects (e.g. train and platform lengthening and new stations) that complement these service enhancements.

5.15 The enhancements to the SPT rail system described in Table 18.and Table 19., however, would require not only the provision of the major facilitating projects, described earlier, but also the provision of additional capacity at localised points through the rail system. These local capacity facilitating projects are detailed in Table 20.

Table 18 SPT High Resource Scenario Proposed Service Frequencies

From	To	Route/Stations	Current Train per/hour	Proposed Trains per Hour
Neilston	Glasgow Central H.L.	Cathcart Circle East. All Stations	2	4
Newton	Glasgow Central H.L.	Cathcart Circle East All stations Cathcart Circle West. All stations	1	1 1
Glasgow Central HL	Glasgow Central HL	Cathcart Circle East (Outer). All stations Cathcart Circle West (Inner). All stations	1	1 1
Kilmarnock	Glasgow Central HL	Fast Barrhead to Glasgow Central	1	2
Barrhead	Charing Cross	Strathbungo - Cross City- Glasgow Queen Street LL. All Stations	2 to Central HL	2
East Kilbride	Charing Cross	Strathbungo - Cross City- Glasgow Queen Street LL. All Stations	2 to Central HL	2
Paisley Canal	Charing Cross	West Street - Cross City - Glasgow Queen Street LL. All stations.	2 to Central HL	2
Stranraer	Glasgow Central HL	Ayr - Kilwinning - Paisley Gilmour Street only.	3/ Day	3/Day
Ayr	Edinburgh	Prestwick Town, Prestwick International, Troon, Irvine. Kilwinning, Johnston, Paisley GS, Glasgow City, Falkirk High, Polmont, Linlithgow, Haymarket.	0 2 from Queen St HL to Edinburgh	2
Ayr	Glasgow Central HL	Newton, Prestwick Town, Prestwick International, Troon, Barassie, Irvine. Kilwinning, Johnston, Paisley GS.	2	2
Irvine Ardrossan Town (Harbour)	Glasgow Central HL	Stations to Paisley GS then fast to West Street	0 1	1 1
Largs	Glasgow Central HL	Stations to Kilwinning, Glengarnock, Johnston, Paisley GS, West Street.	1	2
Bridge of Weir	Glasgow Central HL	All Stations	0	2
Wemyss Bay	Falkirk Grahamston	Stations to Port Glasgow, Bishopton, Paisley GS, Glasgow City, Springburn, Cumbernauld, Castle Cary, Camelon, Falkirk Grahamston	1 to Central HL	1
Gourock	Falkirk Grahamston	Stations to Greenock Central, Port Glasgow, Bishopton, Paisley GS, Glasgow City, Springburn, Cumbernauld, Castle Cary, Camelon, Falkirk Grahamston	1 to Central HL	1
Gourock	Castle Cary	All stations to Paisley GS, West Street. Glasgow City, Springburn, Cumbernauld, Castle Cary	2 to Central HL (All stations) 2 Queen Street HL to Cumbernauld / Falkirk G.	2
Glasgow Airport	Edinburgh	Paisley GS, Glasgow City, Croy, Falkirk High, Edinburgh Airport, Haymarket	0 2 Queen St. HL to Edinburgh	2
Glasgow Airport	Stirling / Dunblane	Paisley GS, Glasgow City, Croy, Larbert, Stirling, / (Bridge of Allan, Dunblane)	0	2/ (1)
Glasgow Airport	Anniesland (Maryhill)	All stations via Glasgow City and Maryhill	2 Queen St HL to Maryhill only	2
Paisley GS	Edinburgh	All stations via Cross City, Bellgrove to Airdrie, Drumgelloch, Bathgate, Livingston North, Uphall, Haymarket.	0	2
Glasgow City	Croy	All Stations	2 Queen St to Stirling / Dunblane	4
West Highland	Glasgow Queen St. HL	Dalmuir, Dumbarton	3 per day	3 per day
Helensburgh	Edinburgh	Stations to Dumbarton East, Dalmuir, Hyndland, stations to Airdrie, Drumgelloch, Bathgate, Livingston North, Uphall, Haymarket	2 to Drumgelloch	2
Balloch	Airdrie	All stations via Westerton	2	2
Dalmuir	Castle Cary	All stations via Yoker and Garngad Curve	2 To Bellgrove	2
Milngavie	Castle Cary	All stations via Garngad Curve	2 To Springburn	2
Dalmuir	Whifflet	All stations via Westerton, Central L.L., Rutherglen.	2 From Central HL	2
Dalmuir	Shotts	All stations via Yoker, Central L.L. Bellshill	0 1 Central HL to Shotts via Bellshill	2
Dalmuir	Lanark	All stations via Yoker, Central L.L. Bellshill, Motherwell	1 to Lanark 1 to Hamilton	2
Dalmuir	Motherwell (Hamilton)	All stations via Yoker, Central LL, Hamilton	2 via Westerton	2
Milngavie	Larkhall	All stations via Central LL, Hamilton	0	2
Motherwll	Stirling	Whifflet, Coatbridge Central, Cumbernauld, Castle Cary, Larbert, Stirling.	1 to Cumbernauld	2
Glasgow Queen St. HL	Fife	Cumbernauld, Castle Cary, Falkirk Grahamston. Polmomt, Linlithgow, Edinburgh Airport, Fife Stations (Inter-Regional Service)	0	2
Glasgow Queen St HL	Aberdeen	Stirling, Perth, Dundee & principal stations (Inter-Regional Service)	1	1
Glasgow Queen St HL	Dundee	Croy, Stirling, Dunblane, Gleneagles, Perth, Dundee (Inter-Regional Service)	0	1

Table 19 SPT High Resource Scenario Proposed Projects (SEE Table 18.For Service Details)

Project	Description
WHOLE TYPE PROJECTS
Larkhall Branch reopening	Reopen line from Hamilton to Larkhall, provide new station at Larkhall.
Bridge of Weir Branch re-opening	Reopen line form Bridge of Weir to Elderslie
Electrify Shotts line (Holytown - Shotts)	Electrify Holytown - Shotts
Electrify Rutherglen - Coatbridge / Whifflet line	Electrify Rutherglen - Coatbridge / Whifflet
Electrify and upgrade Glasgow - Maryhilll line.	Electrify Cowlairs Junction - Maryhill.
Electrify and upgrade Cumbernauld line. Park and Ride site at Castle Cary	Electrify Cowlairs Junction - Castle Cary. New station and Park and Ride site at Castle Cary.
GROUPED TYPE PROJECTS
Provision of longer trains: East Kilbride line	East Kilbride line: lengthen platforms where necessary, provide longer trains (6 coach)
Provision of longer trains: Ayrshire lines	Ayrshire lines: lengthen platforms where necessary, provide longer trains (9 coach)
More frequent services: Ayrshire lines	Ayrshire lines: upgrade infrastructure. Provide enhanced service levels - 6 trains per hour. Can be undertaken in the absence of major facilitating projects.
Increased services: Kilmarnock - Barrhead	Kilmarnock - Barrhead: add dynamic loops, provide enhanced service levels (2 trains per hour). Can be undertaken in the absence of major facilitating projects
Train Quality	See Chapter 2 for benchmarks
Customer Service	See Chapter 2 for benchmarks
Multi-Modal Ticket	To provide appropriate multi-modal ticketing for any journey using a combination of public transport within the SPT area - rail / Underground / bus
Ticket Purchase Simplified	Purchase to be simplified, with outlets available on station (ticket office and/or ticket machines), on board trains (and buses) and also in selected retail outlets in communities. Consideration given to e-sales and telesales.
Pricing Simplified	Pricing to be on a simplified basis - easily understood and reflecting value for money, with selected offers to encourage longer term use of the facility
Information provision	To provide a common public transport information system throughout the area, through a range of outlets and media, giving full information on rail services as part of an integrated package
FLEXIBLE TYPE PROJECTS
Glasgow Central - Whifflet - Shotts: Sunday service	Provision of Sunday service - hourly
Glasgow Queen St - Cumbernauld: Sunday service	Provision of Sunday service - hourly
Glasgow Central - East Kilbride: enhanced Sunday service	Provision of enhanced Sunday service - hourly
Station Quality	See Chapter 2 for benchmarks
Improved inter-modal access and facilities	Improved access by car, bus and taxi interchange and passenger facilities including DDA compliance at a range of stations in the SPT area
New Stations	Various new stations (awaiting information from SPT)

Table 20 SPT High Resource Scenario Localised Capacity Facilitating Projects

Capacity Enhancement	Current Capacity Study
Kilmarnock - Barrhead	SRA IoS
East Kilbride single track	Railtrack Capacity Study
Largs to Ardrossan	N/A
Kilwinning to Paisley	Railtrack Capacity Study
Paisley St James to Paisley GS	Glasgow Airport Study
Paisley GS to Shields Junction	Glasgow Airport Study
Cowlairs to Greenhill	Referred to in Railtrack Capacity Study
Cowlairs to Cumbernauld	N/A
Bellgrove	N/A
Milngavie Branch	Railtrack Capacity Study
Hyndland East J. to Finnieston West Junction	Railtrack Capacity Study
Queen Street Low Level	Railtrack Capacity Study
Finnieston West Junction. to Bellgrove	Railtrack Capacity Study (see Queen Street Low Level)
Finnieston East Junction to Rutherglen Central Jun	Railtrack Capacity Study
Rutherglen Central Junction to Newton West Junction	Railtrack Capacity Study

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