The Airdrie to Bathgate reopened to passenger services in early December 2010 for the first time in over 50 years. Connectivity between Bathgate and Edinburgh will be improved through an increase in service frequency while journey times between Airdrie and Glasgow will be reduced. Daytime trains every 15 minutes are set to operate from spring 2011. In addition the line will provide three new stations (Caldercruix, Blackridge and Armadale) and enhanced parking facilities at all stations (except Airdrie). The line will improve connections between West Lothian and Glasgow and North Lanarkshire and Edinburgh, thus promoting sustainable economic growth. The new line will also provide a 4th route between Edinburgh and Glasgow and be the first fully electrified line between Scotland's two main cities. An initial study into the works required to electrify the 5 lines which form part of Phase 2 electrification has been completed. The outputs from this study are being analysed and will inform more detailed development of the plans. This will enable Phase 2 electrification to follow on directly from the completion of Phase 1. March 2010 - Commencement of preparatory work on electrification of track aimed at cutting journey times between Edinburgh and Glasgow and increasing the frequency on those and some branch lines. March 23, 2011 - Plans to reconnect the Scottish Borders to the rest of the UK rail network have been boosted after a £100 million loan was agreed with the European Investment Bank. Two bidders are currently vying to re-establish a rail link connecting Edinburgh to Midlothian and the Borders. |