Question S6W-23935: Paul Sweeney, MSP for Glasgow, Scottish Labour, answered 9 January 2024

To ask the Scottish Government whether it will revise the Scottish Transport Appraisal Guidance (STAG) model for future rail infrastructure investment, in light of patronage projections for the reopening of Stow, Galashiels and Tweedbank stations on the Borders Railway reportedly having been underestimated for the first year of opening by, respectively, 313%, 330% and 681%. [This question also appeared in our January issue, before the answer had been given. Business case methodology is a prime concern for Highland railway projects.]

Fiona Hyslop: Transport Scotland keeps forecasting methodology under review to ensure best practice. The Borders Railway business case demand forecasts were based on modelling that was informed by surveys of residents regarding their potential use of the line. This resulted in forecasts that underestimated demand from Borders stations and overestimated demand from Midlothian stations.

Rail demand forecasting has developed considerably since the demand forecasts for the Borders Railway business case were first developed in 2008. A post-opening hindcast from the South East Scotland Transport Partnership (SESTran) Regional model for those Borders stations gave forecasts within 30% of actual demand. Where available, Transport Scotland recommends to promotors the use of Regional models for new station demand forecasts.

Question S6W-25776: Alex Rowley, MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife, Scottish Labour, answered on 6 March 2024

To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S6W-24336 by Fiona Hyslop on 30 January 2024, whether it will provide an update on what progress is being made to replace the existing High Speed Train (HST) rolling stock, in light of the reported safety concerns of their ongoing operation.

Fiona Hyslop: High Speed Trains (HSTs) meet the stringent safety requirements necessary to operate on the GB rail network.

The independent railway safety regulator confirms these trains remain safe to run, which was also confirmed by the Scottish Carmont Steering Group.

Replacing the HSTs is recognised as a priority and work is underway now to identify the optimum replacement option.

Questions taken in the Chamber, 14 March - Rail Development Projects

Sue Webber (Lothian) (Con): To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has for any major rail development projects beyond the end of 2024. (S6O-03209)

The Cabinet Secretary for Transport (Fiona Hyslop): Scottish ministers remain firmly committed to infrastructure investment as a key factor in securing economic growth and high-quality public infrastructure across Scotland. That has been made much harder due to cuts in our capital budget imposed by the United Kingdom Government.

The Scottish Government's investment in Network Rail's operations, maintenance and renewals for Scotland's railway will increase by £0.45 billion, from £3.75 billion in the 2019 to 2024 period to £4.2 billion throughout 2024 to 2029.

We continue to progress a pipeline of enhancement projects. Sue Webber may particularly note the planned electrification of the line from Glasgow to East Kilbride, which is targeted to be delivered by December 2025. [Perhaps significant that there's no mention of electrifying the HML etc]