STPR2 Submission

April 2022 Second Strategic Transport Projects Review 1.

INTRODUCTION

1.1. This submission constitutes the response from the Railway Industry Association (RIA) and RIA Scotland to the Second Strategic Transport Projects Review (STPR2), launched by Transport Scotland.

2.

BACKGROUND TO RIA AND RIA SCOTLAND

2.1. RIA is the trade association for UK-based suppliers to the UK and world-wide railways. It has over 300 companies in membership covering all aspects of rolling stock and infrastructure supply and covering a diverse range of products and services. As well as most of the Tier 1 contractors and large, multi-national companies, over 60% of RIA’s membership base is comprised of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs).

2.2. RIA Scotland supports rail suppliers across the nation, providing a voice for the sector. RIA Scotland is led by a Leadership Group, consisting of Scottish rail suppliers, and provides its members with extensive services, including: • Representation of the supply chain industry’s interests to the Scottish Government, Transport Scotland, ScotRail, rail clients and other key stakeholders; • Providing opportunities for dialogues and networking between members; • Supporting innovation through the Unlocking Innovation programme and university partnerships; • Provision of technical, commercial and political information; • Export promotion including organising UK pavilions at key rail exhibitions overseas.

2.3. The 2021 report ‘The Economic Contribution of UK Rail’ by Oxford Economics1 found that in Scotland, rail contributes £3.2bn Gross Value Added to the economy, 56,100 jobs, and £1bn in tax revenue.

2.4. RIA Scotland members have identified four key priorities to work on together with the Scottish Government, Transport Scotland and other key stakeholders: • Decarbonisation: The rail supply chain stands ready to deliver the 2035 rail services decarbonisation target as well as support the wider decarbonisation of Scotland by 2045.

• Efficient delivery: Rail suppliers recognise the imperative, now more than ever for the rail industry to be efficient and cost effective.

• Innovation: Innovation can support decarbonisation ambitions and the need to deliver quicker, better and cheaper while also contributing to economic growth and creating export opportunities.

• Skills: Skills and people are necessary for the rail sector to grow and deliver successfully and young people need to see the rail sector as an attractive workplace.

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These priorities will be supported by a clear and stable pipeline of opportunities.

3.

SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATIONS FOR STPR2

RIA Scotland’s key recommendations for STPR2 are: Recommendation 1 (STPR2 Process): Adopt outcome-based approaches and early supplier engagement to allow the private sector to innovate and support the development of the best delivery solution.

Recommendation 2 (Improving Active Travel Infrastructure): Active travel is supported by integrated transport systems, which require a strategic whole-system view of the transport network. The strategic approach taken by STPR2 should therefore be maintained.

Recommendation 3 (Influencing Travel Choices and Behaviours): Anticipate high passenger expectations for public transport going forward in order to meet them with innovative and green solutions.

Recommendation 4 (Enhancing Access to Affordable Public Transport): Support Mobility as a Service (MaaS) and smart technologies with open access rail data schemes and by including regional and intercity rail in MaaS platforms.

Recommendation 5 (Decarbonising Transport): As part of the wider decarbonisation of Scotland, continue to electrify the network through the rolling programme for electrification and begin fleet orders of low carbon rolling stock, including battery and hydrogen trains. Support R&D and innovation for low carbon solutions.

Recommendation 6 (Increasing Safety and Resilience on the Strategic Transport Network): Whilst RIA Scotland welcomes the fact that STPR2 is considering safety and resilience as a key transport theme, the STPR2 recommendations should specifically consider safety and resilience for rail to a greater extent.

Recommendation 7 (Strengthening Strategic Connections): Place a greater emphasis on connectivity driving modal shift to public transport as a means of delivering social, economic, and environmental benefits.

Recommendation 8 (STPR2 Recommendations and Other Scottish Government Policy): RIA Scotland supports Scottish Government ambitions to decarbonise its rail network by 2035 and to reach net zero by 2045. However, to achieve this, continued investment in sustainable rail travel will be vital. The commitment to a rolling programme of electrification needs to continue so that Scotland can be a case study for effective decarbonisation of the rail network and support modal shift.

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4.

CONTEXT

4.1. Transport Scotland are consulting on the draft STPR2 Summary Report, which sets out 45 draft transport recommendations for the next 20 years. STPR2 will feed into the delivery of the second National Transport Strategy (NTS2) and will inform transport investment in Scotland for the next 20 years (2022-2042).2 4.2. STPR2 has five key objectives: • Takes climate action • Addresses inequalities & accessibility • Improves health & wellbeing • Supports sustainable economic growth • Increases safety & resilience 4.3. STPR2 recommendations are grouped around six themes: • Improving active travel infrastructure • Influencing travel choices and behaviours • Enhancing access to affordable public transport • Decarbonising transport • Increasing safety and resilience on the strategic transport network • Strengthening strategic connections 4.4. The full list of all 45 recommendations can be found in the draft STRP2 Summary Report.3 4.5. RIA Scotland welcomes the opportunity to respond to this important consultation and we note and value the track record of delivery of the 2008 STPR1.

4.6. We have not ranked all recommendations as we believe it is the views of users that should be ranked rather than those of a Trade Association. However, when developing projects and making investment decisions it is important to involve the supply chain in the process to understand the deliverability of the proposed schemes. This is particularly important given constraints on funding and the need to remain efficient.

4.7.

RIA Scotland’s submission is as follows.

STPR2 PROCESS 5.

QUESTION 1: Were you aware of STPR2 prior to the consultation?

5.1. Yes ☐ 6.

2 3

No ☐ Don’t Know / No Opinion ☐

QUESTION 2: To what extent do you agree or disagree that the STPR2 process reflects the NTS2 Priorities and Outcomes?

https://www.transport.gov.scot/publication/summary-report-january-2022-stpr2 https://www.transport.gov.scot/publication/summary-report-january-2022-stpr2

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6.1. ☐ Strongly agree ☐ Agree ☐ Neither agree nor disagree ☐ Disagree ☐ Strongly Disagree ☐ Don’t Know / No Opinion 7.

QUESTION 3: Please provide any further comment you have in relation to the STPR2 process.

7.1. The STPR2 process follows Scottish Transport Appraisal Guidance (STAG). RIA Scotland welcomes the fact that STAG is objective-led, rather than solution-led,4 as outcome-based approaches allow the private sector to innovate and propose efficient solutions.

7.2. In general, RIA Scotland welcomes early supplier engagement on any rail projects and programmes. This allows suppliers to support the client in developing the best delivery solution and examining alternatives and considering trade-offs. For this reason, RIA Scotland welcomes the fact that the STPR2 process included participation and engagement to guide the review. Engagement should continue throughout the procurement and delivery stages of the NTS2, as early supplier involvement will help get the greatest value out of the investments laid out in the strategy.

7.3. RIA’s ‘Learning from Major Rail Projects’ report5 highlights the capabilities of the supply chain to deliver major projects on the railways. The report includes five key messages which should be taken into account in the development and delivery of NTS2: •

•

•

•

Collaboration and Leadership: Create strategic partnerships with the contractors and clients that are based on shared goals. Recruit for and reward positive team behaviours including a continuous learning and development culture and the ability to manage change effectively.

Visibility and long-term investment: Once committed do not look back, share pipelines and plan long-term investment to drive competition, grow supply chain capability and efficiency and give confidence to the private sector to invest in skills, assets and innovation.

Innovation and SMEs: Support innovation at earliest stage of a project, take full advantage of supply chain capability including international, SME and cross sectoral ideas and expertise. Harness supply chain skills on system thinking and whole life value.

Procurement: Engage suppliers early. Publishing transparent procurement pipelines and targeted outcome-focussed procurement models, support competition, efficiency, innovation and delivery. Effective procurement enables the development of intellectual property and unlocks collaborative funding and financing models.

4

https://www.transport.gov.scot/our-approach/industry-guidance/scottish-transport-analysis-guide-scottag/#42948 5 https://www.riagb.org.uk/RIA/Newsroom/Stories/Learning_from_Major_Projects.aspx

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• •

8.

Economic, Environmental and Social Value: Recognise the full economic, environmental and social value that rail brings.

People, Trade and Exports: Celebrate the diversity of the supply chain and its people and promote UK rail expertise and capability internationally.

QUESTION 4: To what extent do you agree that it was correct to take both a Regional and National approach to STPR2?

8.1. ☐ Strongly agree ☐ Agree ☐ Neither agree nor disagree ☐ Disagree ☐ Strongly Disagree ☐ Don’t Know / No Opinion 9.

QUESTION 5: Please provide any further comments on the Regional and National approach to STPR2.

9.1. RIA Scotland supports regional rail funding and assessments as a way to identify key priorities and enable economic growth. However, a national approach will remain key to ensuring system-level strategic solutions and economies of scale are identified. Therefore, RIA Scotland welcomes NTS2 as a long-term strategic plan for all of Scotland.

9.2. Rail is a safety critical industry and safety considerations should be at the heart of all stages of a rail project or programme. While regional funding and planning can help deliver regional and local community benefits, central planning and overview is particularly important for safety and standards.

10.

QUESTION 6: To what extent do you agree or disagree that the engagement process has allowed you to provide a contribution to STPR2?

10.1. ☐ Strongly agree ☐ Agree ☐ Neither agree nor disagree ☐ Disagree ☐ Strongly Disagree ☐ Don’t Know / No Opinion 11.

QUESTION 7: Please provide any further comments you have on the engagement carried out throughout STPR2.

11.1. RIA Scotland would welcome the opportunity to engage in more detail in advance of future consultations of this nature and would be ready to collaborate in arranging industry engagement activities.

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12.

RIA Recommendation 1 (STPR2 Process): Adopt outcome-based approaches and early supplier engagement to allow the private sector to innovate and support the development of the best delivery solution.

KEY THEMES 13.

QUESTION 8: Which of the overall key themes is your / your organisation’s top priority?

13.1. ☐ 1. Improving active travel infrastructure ☐ 2. Influencing travel choices and behaviour ☐ 3. Enhancing access to affordable public transport ☐ 4. Decarbonising transport ☐ 5. Increasing safety and resilience on the strategic transport network ☐ 6. Strengthening strategic connections ☐ Don’t Know / No Opinion 14.

QUESTION 9: Which of the overall key themes is your / your organisation’s lowest priority?

14.1. ☐ 1. Improving active travel infrastructure ☐ 2. Influencing travel choices and behaviours ☐ 3. Enhancing access to affordable public transport ☐ 4. Decarbonising transport ☐ 5. Increasing safety and resilience on the strategic transport network ☐ 6. Strengthening strategic connections ☐ Don’t Know / No Opinion IMPROVING ACTIVE TRAVEL INFRASTRUCTURE 15.

QUESTION 10: To what extent do you agree or disagree that the recommendations under this theme will contribute to Improving Active Travel Infrastructure?

15.1.

Recommendations (1-5):

Strongly Agree

Agree

1. Connected neighbourhoods 2. Active freeways 3. Village-town active travel connections 4. Connecting towns by active travel 5. Long distance active travel network

Neither Disagree Strongly Don’t Agree Disagree Know / Nor No Disagree Opinion X X X X X

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16.

QUESTION 11: Which of these recommendations would you prioritise to contribute to Improving Active Travel Infrastructure?

16.1.

Recommendations (1-5):

High priority

Medium Low priority priority

1. Connected neighbourhoods 2. Active freeways 3. Village-town active travel connections 4. Connecting towns by active travel 5. Long distance active travel network

17.

X X X X

QUESTION 12: Do the recommendations under this theme address the transport needs of your local or regional area or the people your organisation represents?

17.1. Yes ☐ 18.

Do not support Don’t this Know / recommendation No Opinion X

No ☐ Don’t Know / No Opinion ☐

QUESTION 13: Please provide any additional comments you have on the theme Improving Active Travel Infrastructure and the recommendations with it.

18.1. RIA Scotland welcomes the fact that the draft STPR2 Summary Report recommends a partnership approach to implement the recommendations laid out for improving active travel infrastructure. Examples of best practice for collaboration in the delivery of projects are laid out in RIA’s Major Projects Report.6 One example is the delivery of the Aberdeen-Inverness Improvement Project, where four local authorities, dozens of community councils and elected officials, Transport Scotland, Network Rail, ScotRail, freight operators, BAM Nuttall Ltd, Babcock, and Siemens Mobility all collaborated.

18.2. Active Travel can be supported by integrated transport systems, which requires a strategic whole-system view of the transport network.

18.3. The Scottish Government should support Bike & Ride initiatives, to allow passengers to cycle to stations and take their bikes on trains. To enable this, safe and secure bike storage facilities are essential at railway stations and on-board trains. Station facilities could also include bike 6

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repair, maintenance and charging for e-bikes and other e-mobility devices.

18.4. We have not ranked the recommendations as we believe it is the views of users that should be ranked rather than those of a Trade Association. See 4.6 Above.

19.

RIA Recommendation 2 (Improving Active Travel Infrastructure): Active travel is supported by integrated transport systems, which require a strategic whole-system view of the transport network. The strategic approach taken by STPR2 should therefore be maintained.

INFLUENCING TRAVEL CHOICES AND BEHAVIOURS 20.

QUESTION 14: To what extent do you agree or disagree that the recommendations under this theme will contribute to Influencing Travel Choices and Behaviours?

20.1.

Recommendations (6-10):

Strongly Agree

Agree

6. Behaviour change initatives 7. Changing road user behaviour 8. Increasing active travel to school 9. Improving access to bikes 10. Expansion of 20mph limits and zones 21.

Neither Disagree Strongly Don’t Agree Disagree Know / Nor No Disagree Opinion X X X X X

QUESTION 15: Which of these recommendations would you prioritise to contribute to Influencing Travel Choices and Behaviours?

21.1.

Recommendations (6-10):

High priority

Medium Low priority priority

6. Behaviour change initatives 7. Changing road user behaviour 8. Increasing active travel to school 9. Improving access to bikes

Do not support Don’t this Know / recommendation No Opinion X X X X

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10. Expansion of 20mph limits and zones

22.

QUESTION 16: Do the recommendations under this theme address the transport needs of your local or regional area or the people your organisation represents?

22.1. Yes ☐ 23.

X

No ☐ Don’t Know / No Opinion ☐

QUESTION 17: Please provide any additional comments you have on the theme Influencing Travel Choices and Behaviours and the recommendations within it.

23.1. Passenger expectations are likely to be high for public transport going forward. This should be anticipated so that rail can deliver Scottish Government and societal expectations on quality of service, accessible travel and the environment, acting as the backbone of an efficient low carbon transport system. Passenger numbers were at a record high before the pandemic, with long-term demand steadily increasing, and Transport Scotland should seek to grow passenger numbers in line with the shift to low-carbon transport and the need to reduce congestion. This requires rail, including fares and ticketing policies, to be competetive with other modes of transport by being green, accessible, integrated, and on time. Many RIA Scotland Members have experience from both rail and other sectors in designing attractive customer environments and services.

23.2. These benefits can be unlocked by engaging with the rail supply sector and by providing a clear pipeline of work. Pipeline visibility and long-term strategic planning creates certainty, and will therefore allow the sector to innovate, deliver efficiently, and attract private investment and financing.

23.3. Innovation in the rail sector can contribute to meeting customer needs and expectations.

However, it can be supported by more effective use of available innovation funding, including more proactive consideration of how best to attract private sector match funding. Innovation funding also needs to be bold and focus portions of innovation portfolios on radical innovation, which have a chance to contribute to major change – growing passenger numbers and transforming behaviours 23.4. Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) will also be key to developing rail innovation in Scotland as they have the benefit of being more agile and are able to adapt to change faster.

They allow project resources to shrink and grow according to demand. Procurements need to be open to the innovation SMEs can provide and clear delivery timelines and prompt payments are important for the financial sustainability of SMEs. Start-up SMEs in particular, which can be highly innovative, cannot wait around for years for projects to come to fruition.

23.5. Rail SMEs cover a range of disciplines and sizes, and can offer innovation for: • Consultancy and project management • Specialist manufacturing • Specialist and general services, e.g. cleaning and on-board catering • Data, including e.g. remote monitoring and passenger data

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• •

Construction (both specialist and general) Specialist labour provision for e.g. electrification

23.6. We have not ranked the recommendations as we believe it is the views of users that should be ranked rather than those of a Trade Association. See 4.6 above.

24.

RIA Recommendation 3 (Influencing Travel Choices and Behaviours): Anticipate high passenger expectations for public transport going forward in order to meet them with innovative and green solutions.

ENHANCING ACCESS TO AFFORDABLE PUBLIC TRANSPORT 25.

QUESTION 18: To what extent do you agree or disagree that the recommendations under this theme will contribute to Enhancing Access to Affordable Public Transport?

25.1.

Recommendations (11-23):

Strongly Agree

Agree

11. Clyde Metro 12. Edinburgh & South East Scotland Mass Transit 13. Aberdeen Rapid Transit 14. Provision of strategic bus priority measures 15. Highland Mainline rail corridor enhancement 16. Perth-Dundee-Aberdeen rail corridor enhancement 17. Edinburgh/Glasgow – Perth/Dundee rail corridor enhancement 18. Supporting integrated journeys at ferry terminals 19. Infrastructure to provide access for all at railway stations 20. Investment in DRT and MaaS 21. Improved public transport passenger interchange facilities 22. Framework for delivery of mobility hubs 23. Smart, integrated public transport ticketing

Neither Disagree Strongly Don’t Agree Disagree Know / Nor No Disagree Opinion X X X X X X X

X X X X X X

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26.

QUESTION 19: Which of these recommendations would you prioritise to contribute to Enhancing Access to Affordable Public Transport?

26.1.

Recommendations (1123):

11. Clyde Metro 12. Edinburgh & South East Scotland Mass Transit 13. Aberdeen Rapid Transit 14. Provision of strategic bus priority measures 15. Highland Mainline rail corridor enhancement 16. Perth-DundeeAberdeen rail corridor enhancement 17. Edinburgh/Glasgow – Perth/Dundee rail corridor enhancement 18. Supporting integrated journeys at ferry terminals 19. Infrastructure to provide access for all at railway stations 20. Investment in DRT and MaaS 21. Improved public transport passenger interchange facilities 22. Framework for delivery of mobility hubs 23. Smart, integrated public transport ticketing

High priority

Medium Low priority priority

Do not support Don’t this Know / recommendation No Opinion

X X X X X X

X

X X

X X

X X

26.2. In the table above we have indicated with an X in the high priority column those projects which we believe can be delivered quickly and efficiently in order to realise early benefits. Some of these projects, for example investment in MaaS, could be delivered quickly and at low cost compared to infrastructure interventions. These projects would also develop a new supply chain and put Scotland in a leading position for potential exports. Where we have indicated X

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in the medium priority this is to indicate projects that will take longer to develop although they may be high priority.

27.

QUESTION 20: Do the recommendations under this theme address the transport needs of your local or regional area or the people your organisation represents?

27.1. Yes ☐ 28.

No ☐ Don’t Know / No Opinion ☐

QUESTION 21: Please provide any additional comments you have on the theme Enhancing Access to Affordable Public Transport and the recommendations within it.

28.1. The supply chain stands ready to deliver investments in public transport which can enhance the experience of users. Alongside enhancing the user experience, such investments deliver a wide range of benefits. They contribute to decarbonisation targets, with rail being a very lowcarbon public transport option. In 2019, transport (including international aviation and shipping) accounted for 14 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent in Scotland. Out of this, the contribution from rail was only 1.1%.7 28.2. Rail investments also deliver economic growth, both local and national, by providing business opportunities, connectivity, and a boost in skills. As laid out above, Oxford Economics found that the rail sector contributes £3.2bn of economic growth to Scotland per year and 56 100 jobs, which are both more productive and higher paid than the Scotland average.

28.3. In addition to the jobs and skills it creates, rail creates social value through several routes, including stations, as a way to uplift local communities. RIA Scotland welcomes ScotRail’s work on stations in Scotland and the investments that have gone into community-led projects.

Examples include Stow, Saltcoats and Kilmarnock8 stations which have been excellent examples of collaboration between local groups, local governments, and the rail industry.

28.4. As covered in the draft Summary Report, Mobility as a Service (MaaS) and smart technology can be used to provide improved public transport connectivity. Rail has the potential to be at the core of making MaaS a success. Rail suppliers, working together with Train Operating Companies, can work together to ensure the rail industry is ready to join MaaS platforms as a fully integrated and viable partner.

28.5. There already exists extensive data which could allow rail suppliers to build comprehensive rail and multimodal journey planning and booking tools. The biggest barrier to this is access to data. The Scottish Government should therefore use its regulatory and contractual powers to support open access to data. It should expedite work on rail data standards and align such standards with the wider transport open data agenda. Open access rail data initiatives can be expanded to include ticketing and fares; on-board assets, facilities, and services; and wayfinding to, from, and through stations.

7

https://www.transport.gov.scot/media/51299/summary-chapter-scottish-transport-statistics-2021.pdf https://www.railtechnologymagazine.com/articles/station-regeneration-scotland-publicspaces?utm_source=Rail%20Technology%20Magazine&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=13114793_RTM %20Newsletter%20April%204th%202022&dm_i=IJS,7T3FT,8SVZ8M,VUVC0,1 8

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28.6. Access to public transport can also be expanded by ensuring that MaaS platforms include regional and intercity rail, and not just urban and light rail. To be competetive and cost effective, MaaS platforms and IT systems need to be interoperable.

28.7. The supply chain stands ready to deliver investments, especially when provided with a clear pipeline of work. This provides the certainty needed for suppliers to plan for efficiency and deliver the wider benefits of rail, including social value and environmental benefits.

28.8. We have not ranked or commented on all recommendations as we believe it is the views of users that should be ranked rather than those of a Trade Association. See 4.6 above.

29.

RIA Recommendation 4 (Enhancing Access to Affordable Public Transport): Support Mobility as a Service (MaaS) and smart technologies with open access rail data schemes and by including regional and intercity rail in MaaS platforms.

DECARBONISING TRANSPORT 30.

QUESTION 22: To what extent do you agree or disagree that the recommendations under this theme will contribute to Decarbonising Transport?

30.1.

Recommendations (24-28):

24. Ferry vessel renewal and replacement and decarbonisation 25. Rail decarbonisation 26. Decarbonisation of bus network 27. Behaviour change and modal shift for freight 28. Zero emissions vehicles and infrastructure transition

31.

Strongly Agree

Agree

Neither Disagree Strongly Don’t Agree Disagree Know / Nor No Disagree Opinion

X

X X X X

QUESTION 23: Which of these recommendations would you prioritise to contribute to Decarbonising Transport?

31.1.

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Recommendations (2428):

24. Ferry vessel renewal and replacement and decarbonisation 25. Rail decarbonisation 26. Decarbonisation of bus network 27. Behaviour change and modal shift for freight 28. Zero emissions vehicles and infrastructure transition 32.

Medium Low priority priority

Do not support Don’t this Know / recommendation No Opinion X

X X X X

QUESTION 24: Do the recommendations under this theme address the transport needs of your local or regional area or the people your organisation represents?

32.1. Yes ☐ 33.

High priority

No ☐ Don’t Know / No Opinion ☐

QUESTION 25: Please provide any additional comments you have on the theme Decarbonising Transport and the recommendations within it.

33.1. If Scotland is to decarbonise its rail network by 2035 and reach net zero by 2045, continued investment in sustainable rail travel will be vital. Whilst rail is a very low carbon mode of transport, contributing just 1.4% of UK transport emissions, further decarbonisation is required. To reach these targets, Scotland will need to continue electrifying the network through its rolling programme and begin fleet orders of low carbon rolling stock, including battery and hydrogen trains.

33.2. This is recognised in the 2020 Transport Scotland Rail Services Decarbonisation Action Plan9 which RIA Scotland strongly endorses. We look forward to continuing our engagement with Transport Scotland and Network Rail focussing on the efficient delivery of this vital programme.

33.3. RIA Scotland welcomes the fact that the Decarbonisation Action Plan and the summary report recognises that routes where electrification is not appropriate offer significant opportunities for the introduction of rail technologies such as battery and hydrogen. Along with electrification, fleet orders of low carbon rolling stock will be necessary to decarbonise transport in Scotland.

33.4. Since 2010, the Scottish Government has been electrifying its rail network through a rolling programme. The costs of electrifying the network in Scotland have been delivered within the

9

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target cost range identified by the RIA Electrification Cost Challenge.10 This report concludes that through having a rolling programme of electrification Scotland is benefitting from learning and experience being passed from one project to the next. Suppliers stand ready to deliver, a continued rolling programme which will unleash the full potential of the supply sector in the delivery of NTS2.

33.5. Here too, innovation will be critical to help the rail industry decarbonise. R&D and innovation should be at the heart of Scottish rail strategy. This should extend to all forms of decarbonisation and RIA Scotland members have significant knowledge of the techniques for reducing operational and embedded carbon as well as traction carbon.

33.6. STPR2 reflects NTS2’s Sustainable Investment and Travel Hierarchies. RIA Scotland recognises the benefits of extending asset life, as this can deliver financial and environmental sustainability, and RIA members have a range of experiences in delivering asset sustainability.

However, it is also important to remember that there are trade-offs between extending asset life and building new assets. In certain instances, it might not be appropriate to extend asset life, as a new asset may require less costly maintenance over time and will ultimately deliver greater financial sustainability and ensure higher standards of safety and service. Here, consultation and open communication with asset owners and suppliers can help identify how to get this whole life balance right.

34.

RIA Recommendation 5 (Decarbonising Transport): As part of the wider decarbonisation of Scotland, continue to electrify the network through the rolling programme for electrification and begin fleet orders of low carbon rolling stock, including battery and hydrogen trains.

Support R&D and innovation for low carbon solutions.

INCREASING SAFETY AND RESILLIENCE ON THE STRATEGIC TRANSPORT NETWORK 35.

QUESTION 26: To what extent do you agree or disagree that the recommendations under this theme will contribute to Increasing Safety and Resilience on the Strategic Transport Network?

35.1.

Recommendations (29-38):

Strongly Agree

Agree

29. Access to Argyll A83 30. Trunk road and motorway safety improvements 31. Trunk road and motorway network renewal for reliability, resilience and safety

Neither Disagree Strongly Don’t Agree Disagree Know / Nor No Disagree Opinion X X X

10

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32. Trunk road and motorway network renewal for reliability, resilience and safety 33, 34, 35 Enhancing Intelligent Transport Systems 36. Strategy for improving rest and welfare facilities for hauliers 37. Improving active travel on trunk roads through communities 38. Speed management plan

36.

X

X X

X

X

QUESTION 27: Which of these recommendations would you prioritise to contribute to Increasing Safety and Resilience on the Strategic Transport Network?

36.1.

Recommendations (2938):

High priority

Medium Low priority priority

29. Access to Argyll A83 30. Trunk road and motorway safety improvements 31. Trunk road and motorway network renewal for reliability, resilience and safety 32. Trunk road and motorway network renewal for reliability, resilience and safety 33, 34, 35 Enhancing Intelligent Transport Systems 36. Strategy for improving rest and welfare facilities for hauliers 37. Improving active travel on trunk roads through communities 38. Speed management plan

Do not support Don’t this Know / recommendation No Opinion X X

X

X

X

X

X

X

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37.

QUESTION 28: Do the recommendations under this theme address the transport needs of your local or regional area or the people your organisation represents?

37.1. Yes ☐

No ☐ Don’t Know / No Opinion ☐

38.

QUESTION 29: Please provide any additional comments you have on the theme Increasing Safety and Resilience on the Strategic Network and the recommendations within it.

39.

Safety and resilience should be considered as a core aspect of all of the activities of Scotland’s Railway and its supply chain.

39.1. RIA Recommendation 6 (Increasing Safety and Resilience on the Strategic Transport Network): Whilst RIA Scotland welcomes the fact that STPR2 is considering safety and resilience as a key transport theme, the STPR2 recommendations should specifically consider safety and resilience for rail to a greater extent.

STRENGHTENING STRATEGIC CONNECTIONS 40.

QUESTION 30: To what extent do you agree or disagree that the recommendations under this theme contribute to Strengthening Strategic Connections?

40.1.

Recommendations (39-45):

39. Sustainable access to Grangemouth Investment Zone 40. Access to Stranraer and ports at Cairnryan 41. Potential fixed links in Outer Hebrides and Mull 42. Investment in port infrastructure 43. Major station masterplans 44. Rail freight terminals 45. High speed and cross Border rail enhancements

41.

Strongly Agree

Agree

Neither Disagree Strongly Don’t Agree Disagree Know / Nor No Disagree Opinion X X X X

X X X

QUESTION 31: Which of these recommendations would you prioritise to contribute to Strengthening Strategic Connections?

41.1.

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Recommendations (3945):

39. Sustainable access to Grangemouth Investment Zone 40. Access to Stranraer and ports at Cairnryan 41. Potential fixed links in Outer Hebrides and Mull 42. Investment in port infrastructure 43. Major station masterplans 44. Rail freight terminals 45. High speed and cross Border rail enhancements 42.

Medium Low priority priority

Do not support Don’t this Know / recommendation No Opinion X

X X X X X X

QUESTION 32: Do the recommendations under this theme address the transport needs of your local or regional area or the people your organisation represents?

42.1. Yes ☐ 43.

High priority

No ☐ Don’t Know / No Opinion ☐

QUESTION 33: Please provide any additional comments you have on the theme Strengthening Strategic Connections and the recommendations within it.

43.1. We would propose that the strategy places more emphasis on connectivity driving modal shift to public transport as a means of improving social mobility and reducing carbon emissions.

43.2. RIA Scotland welcomes the recognition of the importance of rail freight terminals. RIA Scotland also supports ambitions to grow rail freight, which provides a wide range of benefits. A 2021 report produced by Deloitte, and commissioned by the Rail Delivery Group,11 finds that rail freight delivers $105m in benefits to the Scottish economy each year. Out of this, £45m are benefits to customers including cost savings, time savings, and reliability benefits. The remaining benefits of £60m are social benefits including congestion relief, environmental benefits, and improved safety. Rail freight is highly efficient, with each freight train removes up to 76 lorries from the roads.

43.3. RIA Scotland supports the best and most efficient use of the whole transport system. The Union Connectivity Review12 recommendation that there should be a UK strategic transport 11

https://www.raildeliverygroup.com/media-centre-docman/12807-2021-04-role-and-value-of-railfreight/file.html 12

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1036027 /union-connectivity-review-final-report.pdf

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network (UKNET) may present opportunities to ensure effective rail connectivity to ports and airports for people and freight.

43.4. The recommendation that Transport Scotland continues to work closely with the UK government on high speed and cross border rail enhancements is also welcome. There may be opportunities to enhance the services provided by cross-border operators within Scotland to release ScotRail resources to improve connectivity, for example, to ferry services.

43.5. The summary report includes a proposal for Transport Scotland and industry partners to carry out an updated market study for rail freight growth in Scotland (linked to the 2019 industry growth plan) including a review of rail freight terminals and hubs to confirm how to meet longterm mode shift requirements. As covered above, expanded rail freight capacity has the potential to bring a variety of benefits to Scotland. The ambitions to grow rail freight is to be welcomed and RIA Scotland would be available to offer any support to the development of the market study by bringing in RIA Members and their expertise.

43.6. We have not ranked all recommendations as we believe it is the views of users that should be ranked rather than those of a Trade Association. See 4.6 above.

44.

RIA Recommendation 7 (Strengthening Strategic Connections): Place a greater emphasis on connectivity driving modal shift to public transport as a means of delivering social, economic, and environmental benefits.

STPR2 RECOMMENDATIONS AND OTHER SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT POLICY 45.

QUESTION 34: Prior to this consultation were you aware of the list of Scottish Government below, which STPR2 aligns with and supports?

45.1.

Yes

Take action against climate change Decarbonising transport Reducing car use Encouraging greater walking, wheeling and cycling Addressing inequalities, such as: • Child poverty • Affordability of transport • Access to transport Transport as an enabler of inclusive economic growth Providing a safe transport system Providing a reliable and resilient transport system

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X X X X X X X X X X

No

Don’t Know / No opinion

46.

QUESTION 35: Prior to this consultation were you aware of the Scottish Government policy documents to which STPR2 aligns with and supports?

46.1.

Yes

National Transport Strategy 2 (NTS2) National Planning Framework (NPF4) Climate Change Plan Update & Route Map Infrastructure Investment Plan Just Transition Cleaner Air for Scotland 2 & Delivery Plan National Performance Framework 47.

No

Don’t Know / No opinion

X X X X X X X

QUESTION 36: To what extent do you agree or disagree that the STPR2 recommendations reflect and will contribute to the aims of government policy?

47.1. RIA Scotland supports Scottish Government ambitions to decarbonise its rail network by 2035 and to reach net zero by 2045. However, to achieve this, continued investment in sustainable rail travel will be vital. The commitment to a rolling programme of electrification needs to continue so that Scotland can be a case study for effective decarbonisation of the rail network.

47.2. The supply chain has a lot to offer in developing efficient and deliverable policy and programmes and RIA Scotland stands ready to engage in a constructive and collaborative dialogue.

47.3. ☐ Strongly agree ☐ Agree ☐ Neither agree nor disagree ☐ Disagree ☐ Strongly Disagree ☐ Don’t Know / No Opinion 47.4. RIA Recommendation 8 (STPR2 Recommendations and Other Scottish Government Policy): RIA Scotland supports Scottish Government ambitions to decarbonise its rail network by 2035 and to reach net zero by 2045. However, to achieve this, continued investment in sustainable rail travel will be vital. The commitment to a rolling programme of electrification needs to continue so that Scotland can be a case study for effective decarbonisation of the rail network and support modal shift.

48.

QUESTION 37: Please provide any additional comments you have on the STPR2 recommendations’ contribution to Government policy?

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48.1. The rail network in Scotland provides vital connectivity to regions and communities in every corner of the country, as well as providing links to other areas of the UK. As an industry, it also plays an important economic role for the country. The 2021 report ‘The Economic Contribution of UK Rail’ by Oxford Economics found that in Scotland, rail contributes £3.2 bn Gross Value Added to the economy, 56,100 jobs, and £1bn in tax revenue.

48.2. In 2022, Scotland finds itself in a period of transition with the transfer of ScotRail to public ownership, the setting of objectives for CP7 (2024-2029) and longer-term transport investment through the second National Transport Strategy. RIA Scotland welcomes the opportunity to bring the voice of the supply chain to these developments.

48.3. RIA Scotland has previously set out five recommendations for Scotland, to help the industry drive sustainable and inclusive economic growth for communities across the country: •

•

•

•

Recommendation 1: Make the case for rail travel in the long-term, encouraging passengers back and a greater role for freight. Rail travel and public transport can be a catalyst for the economic recovery and provides vital links to connect communities and reduce social exclusion right across the country. Looking at transport schemes holistically across modes, there is an opportunity to link connectivity challenges with passenger and freight opportunities to maximise social value and return on investment.

Recommendation 2: Continue to decarbonise the rail industry through electrification and fleet orders of low carbon rolling stock, in order to reach Scotland’s 2035 decarbonisation target. If Scotland is to decarbonise its rail network by 2035 and reach net zero by 2045, continued investment in sustainable rail travel will be vital. Whilst rail is already a very low carbon mode of transport – contributing just 2% of UK transport emissions – further decarbonisation is required.

Recommendation 3: Continue to provide a visible and consistent pipeline of work for the rail industry, particularly as preparations for Control Period 7 are made. For the current funding period, CP6, the Scottish Government did well to set out the key outputs and work it expected to be delivered, and as the rail sector approaches the next funding period, CP7, in 2024, it should similarly highlight a clear plan for the supply chain, that delivers improvements consistently over the five years. RIA urges the role of the rail supply industry, its capabilities and potential, to be considered as CP7 is planned.

Recommendation 4: Support the rail industry to become more sustainable, increase skills and improve the diversity of its workforce. There is an immediate opportunity – and need – to address the skills gap by recruiting and mentoring a new generation of skilled staff. Moving forward, Scotland’s rail sector will require significant data and digital skills. Signalling renewals will need to continue apace and Scotland should ensure its engineering skills and capabilities are ready for this new technology which provides the opportunity for a pipeline of future work for the UK industry that Scottish suppliers will want to be able to access. RIA strongly supports the current Scottish Rail Cluster Builder initiative and wants to see sustained activity of this type, in order to support a growing rail industry. RIA also urges that the industry works with the Scottish Government to improve the diversity of its leadership and workforce. RIA welcomes ScotRail signing up to the RIA – Women in Rail Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Charter and looks forward to working more closely to boost diversity in the rail sector.

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•

Recommendation 5: Ensure R&D and innovation as well as digital technology are at the heart of the government’s plans for the future of the rail industry in Scotland.

Innovation will be critical to help the rail industry and transport as a whole to be more efficient, decarbonise and improve the passenger experience. RIA would like to see the Scottish Government play an even more active role in supporting rail research and development.

STRATEGIC ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT (SEA) & OTHER IMPACT ASSESSMENTS 49.

QUESTION 38: To what extent do you agree or disagree with the overall findings of the SEA?

49.1. ☐ Strongly agree ☐ Agree ☐ Neither agree nor disagree ☐ Disagree ☐ Strongly Disagree ☐ Don’t Know / No Opinion 50.

QUESTION 39: The SEA has reviewed plans, policies and programmes relevant to STPR2. Are there any others that should be considered?

51.

QUESTION 40: The SEA sets out the current national and regional baseline environment conditions and future trends. Do you have any comments on this baseline data?

52.

QUESTION 41: Are there any particular issues, problems or opportunities you would like to mention that have not been captured within the SEA?

53.

QUESTION 42: Please provide any comments on the findings of the Equality Impact Assessment.

54.

QUESTION 43: Please provide any comments on the findings of the Island Communities Impact Assessment.

55.

QUESTION 44: Please provide any comments on the findings of the Fairer Scotland Duty Assessment.

56.

QUESTION 45: Please provide any comments on the Child Rights and Wellbeing Impact Assessment.

Railway Industry Association Scotland April 2022 If you would like further information, please contact RIA Scotland Lead and RIA Technical Director David Clarke at david.clarke@riagb.org.uk and +44 (0)20 7201 0777

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