The North East is to have a dedicated rail team to address the region’s long-standing rail transport issues, according to the Scottish Government today.

The new Aberdeen to Central Belt Team will review options for capacity improvements between Aberdeen and Dundee, as well as options for double tracking Usan Junction and the South Esk viaduct at Montrose.

Members will include representatives from Transport Scotland, transport partnerships Nestrans and Tactrans, as well as the ScotRail Alliance, freight and passenger rail service operators.

This is good news, but I do recall that before the 2007 Scottish elections plans were drawn up for investment in the North East’s rail services, only for them to be sidelined by the then new SNP government. It may have taken a while, but it good to be on track again.

North East MSP Mike Rumbles – who is the Scottish Liberal Democrat transport spokesman – welcomed today’s announcement but cautioned that the area needs action and not just words.

He said: “I welcome any steps taken to improve journey times, passenger satisfaction and capacity and the establishment of the rail team is a step in the right direction. However the transport minister must be mindful that rail transport is an important and long-neglected issue in the North East and local people will not be satisfied with mere words. The North East needs action to dramatically improve our rail links.”

http://news.gov.scot/news/north-east-gets-new-dedicated-team-to-address-rail-issues