Just finished a meeting between transport minister Humza Yousaf MSP and the board of North East transport partnership Nestrans.
A wide range of issues were discussed in an hour-long session. Some key points:
– Rail projects take a long time. Improvements in journey times Aberdeen to/from Glasgow and Edinburgh. Considerable investment in the North East rail network. Looking at doubling track south of Montrose (Usan is “top of the list”, but complex engineering problems).
Laurencekirk flyover going through the process, and he noted the scepticism locally. Looking forward to it opening. Planning for A96 dualling in hand, with a route east of Inverurie in consideration. The minister listened as the case was made for improving the A90 north to Toll of Birness. There was no promise from the minister about a date for opening the Aberdeen bypass.
City centre low emission areas are being set up in the four main cities to improve air quality. Buses are part of the solution rather than the problem. Long lead-in times.
Road equivalent tariffs are due to be introduced on the Aberdeen/Shetland ferry. With a reduction of some 40% in fares it is expected there will be a huge increase in traffic. This may lead to larger ferries (which the Scottish Goverment hopes to buy rather thanlease, saving £6m which will fund the scheme). The larger ferries might use the new south harbour at Nigg.