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
https://www.riagb.org.uk/RIA/Newsroom/Publications%20Folder/Electrification_Cost_Challenge_Report.aspx
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