Minister celebrates 25 years of ScotRail network by announcing major boost to east coast services

Train services delivering an extra 1,200 seats and cutting journey times between Edinburgh, Fife and Aberdeen were announced today by Transport Minister Stewart Stevenson.

The Minister made the announcement as part of an event to mark the 25th anniversary of the ‘ScotRail’ identity for rail services in Scotland.

The event at Glasgow Queen Street Station also marked the unveiling of the new livery for all ScotRail trains and stations with the arrival into service of the first rebranded train – a Class 170 – to operate on the Edinburgh Glasgow line.

Stewart Stevenson said:

"ScotRail, currently operated by FirstGroup, runs over 2,000 passenger services throughout Scotland every day . The investment in Edinburgh-Fife-Aberdeen services will mean even more people will have the opportunity to make the switch to public transport, building economic connections across the country.

"The name has been at the heart of Scottish life for a quarter of a century, from its pioneering time as the identity for British Rail in Scotland to today, and is recognised as one of the most impressive performers among the UK’s rail franchise operators.

"I am delighted to formally unveil the new unified ScotRail livery which emphasises that connection with the people of Scotland. It gives Scotland’s railways a strong, dynamic identity, and over time will save taxpayers money.

"The rail network in Scotland makes a significant contribution to our economic and social health, which is why we are investing record levels in public transport to promote the sustainable growth of our national economy."

Due to commence in December, the package of improvements for rail passengers on Edinburgh-Fife-Dundee-Aberdeen services will see:

• Reduced journey times between Edinburgh and Aberdeen by around 10 minutes.
• An additional Edinburgh-Dundee service stopping at the intermediate stations in Fife.
• An hourly fast Edinburgh-Perth service via Fife.
• A regular half hourly Dundee-Aberdeen service pattern.
• Additional trains from Fife to Edinburgh in the early morning to help ease congestion on the Forth Road Bridge.
• Additional seats on existing heavily loaded trains from Fife and Stirling to Edinburgh, and on existing heavily loaded trains into Glasgow from Cumbernauld and Stirling when Bishopbriggs platform is extended in spring 2009.
• An hourly Aberdeen-Inverurie service throughout the day with more frequent services in the morning and evening peaks.
• Allows trains to serve the new Laurencekirk station when it opens in Spring 2009.

Mary Grant, Managing Director of First ScotRail, said:

"I welcome these widespread enhancements. Demand for our services continues to accelerate, and these improvements will bring many benefits to our growing number of customers.

"We are committed to support Transport Scotland in the roll out of a new consistent brand for Scotland’s railways and to working together to deliver the best service for Scotland every day."

Representatives from ScotRail throughout the past 25 years were among the guests attending the event at Queen Street Station to see the Minister unveil a plaque marking the anniversary and the launch of the new brand.

The new ScotRail branding incorporates Scotland’s flag, the Saltire, and means Scotland’s trains will have a uniform look for the first time.

It will be extended across all First ScotRail managed stations and trains during routine maintenance cycles to ensure it is carried out at no additional cost to taxpayers.

It is intended the new brand will deliver savings to taxpayers by providing a consistent brand which will not change with a new franchise operator.

Images of the new ScotRail livery are available via the Transport Scotland website. Please follow link: http://www.transportscotland.gov.uk/ScotRail-25th-anniversary.