Invitation to join Scottish Chambers of Commerce Rail Taskforce

Good rail infrastructure is critical for economic growth. That is why the Levenmouth Rail Link will be so good for Fife when it starts operating. Rail will play a significant part in the planned decarbonising of the Scottish economy, with the Scottish Government Programme aiming to reduce emissions from Scotland’s railways to zero by 2035. Scotland needs optimum operational efficiency from the rail industry and that has been lacking in recent years.

This year will see the publication of a National Transport Strategy for Scotland following the consultation process for the Draft Strategy last year.

In its submission on the Draft Strategy, the Scottish Chambers of Commerce (SCC) highlighted the significant disparities for main rain line journey times for regions in the north of Scotland with those in the Central Belt. It also highlighted the importance of more efficient action when it comes to the duelling and electrification of the Highland main line, and the necessary rail upgrades that are required to better connect the North East with the Central Belt.

The SCC now wants to arrange a meeting of experts from across the Chamber Network when it comes to the railway industry and transportation more generally. The taskforce group would convene in March. This will allow SCC to assess what businesses need from the current and future operation of the railways. It will consider what good practise there is at present, and where action and investment are required. SCC will relay the findings to the Scottish Government.

If you have the necessary railway or transport experience and you would like to put yourself forward to join the Taskforce, please contact [email protected] by Thursday 13th February.