21 January 2010
Welcome for proposed ECML timetable
Paul Tetlaw, Chair of Transform Scotland said;
"We welcome the proposals announced by transport secretary Andrew Adonis. In particular we look forward to increased frequency and faster journey times on the East Coast route from Scotland to London. The standard clockface timetable should also make it easier for passengers to remember train times and we trust that these measures will all help to dramatically increase rail's modal share for those travelling from Scotland to London. If we are serious about tackling climate change emissions then transport must play its full part and internal journeys such as these should be predominantly transferred to rail.
"Transferring Glasgow services from East Coast to Cross Country will also help to increase rail's modal share. This will open up new direct journey opportunities to Leeds, Sheffield and Derby while at the same time protecting those to the North East of England and York.
"Looking to the medium term, we welcome further proposals to reduce journey times by the East Coast route and believe that around 3 hours 30 minutes from Edinburgh to London is achievable. We cannot afford to simply wait for a high speed line to Scotland – significant improvements are needed well before then."