NETWORK RAIL CONFIDENT AHEAD OF AIRDRIE-BATHGATE FINAL STAGE DEBATE

Wednesday 28 Mar 2007

NETWORK RAIL CONFIDENT AHEAD OF AIRDRIE-BATHGATE FINAL STAGE DEBATE

Region & Route:: Scotland’s Railway: Scotland

A Bill that proposes the construction of a new GBP 300 million railway line between Airdrie and Bathgate is expected to pass its final parliamentary milestone this afternoon when it becomes the subject of a conclusive debate and vote. The Scottish Parliament previously gave unanimous support for the general principles of the Bill at the end of November last year. Today's Final Stage debate follows detailed consideration of the Bill and wide consultation with key stakeholders on issues relating to the project. These include: bus integration; cycle path alignment; housing developments; the code of construction practice; and the noise and vibration policy. Speaking ahead of the debate Ron McAulay, Network Rail's Director, Scotland said: "Today's Final Stage debate is the milestone we've all been waiting for; a positive vote will give us the green light to reopen the Airdrie-Bathgate railway that has been closed for 50 years. So far our Bill has had unanimous, cross-party support during its passage through Parliament and I am very confident that this will be the case again this afternoon." If the Bill is passed, it is anticipated that services will be running on the new railway in 2010. This will bring passenger benefits including an increased number of services; shorter travel times; improved reliability of existing services; better access to employment, education and social opportunities; and a reduction in passenger congestion. The environmental benefits include offering a public transport alternative to travelling by car via the M8 and reducing congestion.

Notes to editors

Ron McAulay, Network Rail's Director, Scotland, will be available for interview following the debate (decision time is 5pm). All requests should be directed to Media Relations on 0141 555 4108/4109 On 23 November 2006 the general principles of the Airdrie-Bathgate Railway and Linked Improvements Bill received unanimous support in Parliament. The Airdrie-Bathgate Railway and Linked Improvements Bill Committee has issued two reports on the Bill; the Preliminary Stage Report on 14 November 2006 and the Consideration Stage Report on 5 March 2007. Transport Scotland has committed funding for the project to a maximum of GBP 299.7 million. For further information on the Airdrie-Bathgate railway proposals see: www.airdriebathgateraillink.co.uk

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We own, operate and develop Britain's railway infrastructure; that's 20,000 miles of track, 30,000 bridges, tunnels and viaducts and the thousands of signals, level crossings and stations. We run 20 of the UK's largest stations while all the others, over 2,500, are run by the country's train operating companies.

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