Scotrail Alliance. John Yellowlees

Wed, Aug 30th 2017 at 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

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Members were privileged to hear a speaker with an almost unique overview of rail passenger transport in Scotland give his views on where we are now and how we arrived there.
John introduced his talk with a heartfelt request that our Rotary movement recognise in an appropriate form the grave of Jean Harris, wife of our movement’s founder Paul Harris, which currently is in a neglected state in Newington Cemetery, Edinburgh.
Using Powerpoint graphic presentation John took us from the 1993 Railway Act which separated infrastructure (track, signalling, bridges) from train operators. The franchise contract to operate Scotland’s passenger train service, currently held by Abellio is the largest single contract awarded by the Scottish Government. Approximately two thirds of the cost of running the service is met by taxpayers and one third from fares.
John reminded us that despite some press coverage, Scotrail was rated the best performing rail operator in Britain this year. He outlined the future “Vision and Aims” for passenger rail services in Scotland  -
⦁    125 million passenger journeys per year by 2025
⦁    Connecting People with Jobs, Business with Customers and Tourists with destinations.
⦁    New and longer trains with good passenger wi- fi and power connections.
⦁    Closer linking of infrastructure and train operations. This to include upgrading of stations including Inverness, Aberdeen, Motherwell, Perth and Stirling. Smart ticketing and ticketing machines that are customer responsive. New “Bike and Go” secure bicycle facilities at numerous stations, new digital information screens and an overall commitment to passenger priority.   
The new Borders Railway was highlighted as an example of how rail transport decisions can have positive effects in a geographic area with the stimulation of new business growth, reduction in road traffic and air pollution and an increase in visitor numbers.
John concluded the presentation with an illustration of the Forth Rail Bridge and reminded members that the new viewing platform on top of the bridge will open shortly.
His talk stimulated numerous questions and discussions – Kingsknowe Station history ? Edinburgh Gateway interchange ? , New light rail (tram) line to Balerno?
A generous vote of thanks to John was given on behalf of the club by Doug Marr.
Jim Douglas


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