NEWS RELEASE
Thursday 1st March 2007

Comment on Network Rail 'Route Utilisation Strategy':
Welcome for focus on improving Scottish inter-urban rail network

TRANSform Scotland welcomed today's publication of Network Rail's finalised Route Utilisation Strategy for Scotland. [1] [2]

Paul Tetlaw, Chair of TRANSform Scotland, said:

"We welcome today's proposals from Network Rail. Rail links between our Scottish cities have been sadly neglected in the past and we fully support the increased frequency and reduced journey times proposed.

"These schemes represent extremely good value for money when compared with damaging road building schemes which would themselves simply generate more traffic and more greenhouse gas emissions.

"We call on politicians of all parties to respond to the challenge of climate change and support these much needed enhancements."

ENDS

NOTES TO EDITORS:

[1] TRANSform Scotland

TRANSform Scotland is the national sustainable transport alliance, bringing together rail, bus and shipping operators, local authorities, national environment and conservation groups, businesses and local transport groups.

We can be contacted at Lamb's House, Burgess Street, Leith, Edinburgh, EH6 6RD. Tel 0131 467 7714; fax 0131 554 8656; email <info@transformscotland.org.uk>; web <http://www.transformscotland.org.uk>.

[2] Network Rail 'Route Utilisation Strategy'

This was published today & is available online.

END OF NEWS RELEASE