Benefits

Artist's impression of Galabank looking South

Economic Benefits

Connectivity Benefits

Environmental Benefits  

Economic benefits

• The potential for economic development and growth

• Opening up economic and housing opportunities

• Help prevent population decline in Midlothian and the Scottish Borders

• Improving access to Edinburgh's employment market and encouraging business development in Midlothian and the Central Scottish Borders 

• The railway will act as a catalyst for increased tourism in Edinburgh, Midlothian and the Scottish Borders

• Making further education opportunities more accessible to residents of Midlothian and Scottish Borders

• Improved quality of life for communities in Midlothian and the Scottish Borders

Connectivity benefits

• Creation of an attractive public transport alternative to the private car

• The railway promotes accessibility to and from the Scottish Borders and Midlothian areas to Edinburgh and the central belt

• Fostering social inclusion by improving access to key services for those without access to a car

• Communities not located near stations will be linked to the railway by local bus services

• All train stations will be designed to allow easy transfer to local bus services   

Environmental benefits

• Cutting car journeys by approximately 60,000 peak trips per year, reducing vehicle pollutants in the environment by reducing congestion and traffic

• Providing a safe and convenient alternative to the car

• Relieving pressure on the green belt area of Edinburgh

• The railway will reduce the impact of traffic on the environment and encourage walking, cycling and the use of public transport.

• Reducing carbon dioxide emissions - approximately 435,000 fewer tonnes of carbon dioxide emitted into the atmosphere over a 60 year period 

• Average of 10 fewer road accidents per year predicted as a direct result of the railway

• The Borders Railway contributes to a general policy of promoting genuine choice of transport mode, facilitating a reduction in car use, and supports more use of walking, cycling and public transport.

• It is our intention that the railway will be completely integrated with cycling facilities, by providing adequate bike storage at stations to allow the railway to become part of the commute for those who prefer two wheels.

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