PHOTOCALL: AIRDRIE-BATHGATE BILL FINAL DEBATE

Monday 26 Mar 2007

PHOTOCALL: AIRDRIE-BATHGATE BILL FINAL DEBATE

Region & Route:: Scotland’s Railway: Scotland

Date: Wednesday 28 March Time: 5pm Event: Ron McAulay, Network Rail's Director, Scotland, responds to final parliamentary debate of Airdrie-Bathgate Railway Bill Location: Scottish Parliament, Edinburgh Contact: Network Rail Media Relations, 0141 555 4108/4109 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 on Wednesday when it becomes the subject of a conclusive debate and vote. The Scottish Parliament previously gave unanimous support for the principles of the Bill at the end of November last year. This week's final 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. If the Bill is passed on Wednesday, 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 the M8 and reducing congestion.

Notes to editors

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. For further information on the Airdrie-Bathgate railway proposals see: www.airdriebathgateraillink.co.uk

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