Infrastructure

Transport Scotland is improving the current rail network infrastructure by:

• working with Network Rail to target resources to improve the  quality of track, bridges, crossings and tunnels
• enhancing bridges and tunnels which may restrict routes of freight trains carrying maritime containers
• considering how best to address crowding of current services
• monitoring the cleanliness and appearance of existing stations.

Infrastructure

Network Rail manages the safety and quality of the rail infrastructure in Scotland.  They produce an annual business plan for the whole of Great Britain.  This sets out plans and potential enhancements to routes as well as forecasting passenger numbers, freight volumes and potential changes to traffic.  The plan divides Scotland into three routes and considers each separately:

• Route 24 – East of Scotland
• Route 25 – Highlands
• Route 26 – Strathclyde and south west Scotland.

Crowding

Increased demand for rail services has resulted in crowding of trains and stations in the busiest areas.  As part of our ongoing strategy of timetabling, Transport Scotland is working with First ScotRail and Network Rail to consider how best to meet this demand.

Stations and Trains

A customer-focused system for measuring First ScotRail performance in relation to the conditions of stations and trains, the service quality incentive regime, is in place to measure, for example:

• cleanliness 
• passenger comfort 
• customer ticketing services 
• passenger information
• station and train facilities.

Poor performance leads to a financial penalty for the operator. This regime is in place throughout Scotland's rail network and reports are produced every quarter.

Freight Terminals

The Scottish Government administers Freight Facilities Grants which provide a contribution to the capital costs of infrastructure and equipment required to operate rail freight services.

Transport Scotland works closely with the Scottish Government Grants team in promoting this incentive to industry to utilise rail in their supply chain.