Callum Johnstone
2004-05-08 13:28:04 UTC
Source: Evening News
08/05/04
Good signal for Capital's rail services
Hopes of securing better rail services for Edinburgh commuters have
been given a boost.
A feasibility report commissioned by East Lothian and Scottish Borders
Council has backed more frequent services between Berwick-upon-Tweed,
Dunbar and the Capital.
Commuters currently rely on GNER and Virgin long-distance services
which stop at Berwick and Dunbar. The £20,000 study has also supported
the re-opening of the station at East Linton in East Lothian.
The service would meet demand from commuters living in hundreds of new
homes along the East Coast main line in areas such as Dunbar.
Norman Hampshire, environment member for East Lothian Council, said a
business case for the service boost would be submitted to the Scottish
Executive.
"There is only a minimal service at present and if we are really
serious about getting people out of their cars we will have to provide
a quality rail alternative," he said.
A spokesman for the Scottish Executive said: "The project is worthy of
consideration, but it is for the local authorities to make a case for
it."
Meanwhile, it has been revealed that a Danish rail firm is in the
running to take over the East Coast main line.
The Danish national railway DSB and state-run German rail operator
Deutsche Bahn (DB) are among four groups shortlisted to run the
flagship ECML franchise.
Current operator GNER and Great Western franchisee First Group have
also been selected, the Strategic Rail Authority announced yesterday.
08/05/04
Good signal for Capital's rail services
Hopes of securing better rail services for Edinburgh commuters have
been given a boost.
A feasibility report commissioned by East Lothian and Scottish Borders
Council has backed more frequent services between Berwick-upon-Tweed,
Dunbar and the Capital.
Commuters currently rely on GNER and Virgin long-distance services
which stop at Berwick and Dunbar. The £20,000 study has also supported
the re-opening of the station at East Linton in East Lothian.
The service would meet demand from commuters living in hundreds of new
homes along the East Coast main line in areas such as Dunbar.
Norman Hampshire, environment member for East Lothian Council, said a
business case for the service boost would be submitted to the Scottish
Executive.
"There is only a minimal service at present and if we are really
serious about getting people out of their cars we will have to provide
a quality rail alternative," he said.
A spokesman for the Scottish Executive said: "The project is worthy of
consideration, but it is for the local authorities to make a case for
it."
Meanwhile, it has been revealed that a Danish rail firm is in the
running to take over the East Coast main line.
The Danish national railway DSB and state-run German rail operator
Deutsche Bahn (DB) are among four groups shortlisted to run the
flagship ECML franchise.
Current operator GNER and Great Western franchisee First Group have
also been selected, the Strategic Rail Authority announced yesterday.