- Asked by: Elaine Smith, MSP for Coatbridge and Chryston, Scottish Labour
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Date lodged: Wednesday, 19 November 2014
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Current Status:
Answered by John Swinney on 11 December 2014
To ask the Scottish Government what agencies in Scotland use cost-generating telephone numbers such as 0845 numbers for public services.
Answer
The Scottish Government does not use cost generating phone numbers and its agencies are informed in their use of 0300 and 0845 numbers, which are also non-cost-generating, by best practice as recommended by the industry regulator OFCOM.
Disclosure Scotland utilises a 0870 national rate number for an externally hosted helpdesk. No income is generated for Disclosure Scotland as these numbers are provided by BT Global Services as part of a business and technology outsourcing agreement.
- Asked by: Elaine Smith, MSP for Coatbridge and Chryston, Scottish Labour
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Date lodged: Wednesday, 10 December 2014
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Current Status:
Taken in the Chamber on 18 December 2014
To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on NHS Lanarkshire’s out-of-hours service.
Answer
Taken in the Chamber on 18 December 2014
- Asked by: Elaine Smith, MSP for Coatbridge and Chryston, Scottish Labour
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Date lodged: Monday, 06 October 2014
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Current Status:
Answered by Keith Brown on 30 October 2014
To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of the benefits to passengers of the next franchised ScotRail contract, broken down by (a) passenger service route and (b) region.
Answer
<>The evaluation criteria for franchise award was 65% price, 35% quality. The winning bidder’s quality submission contained a variety of benefits to passengers. Details of these benefits by route and by region may be found here:
http://www.transportscotland.gov.uk/rail/scotrail-franchise/scotrail-franchise-renewal-programme
- Asked by: Elaine Smith, MSP for Coatbridge and Chryston, Scottish Labour
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Date lodged: Monday, 06 October 2014
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Current Status:
Answered by Keith Brown on 30 October 2014
To ask the Scottish Government what (a) service level, (b) station and (c) infrastructure improvements it has achieved on each franchised ScotRail passenger route in each year since 2012 and how each was funded.
Answer
Since 2012 the Scottish Government has worked with ScotRail to achieve many improvements to service level, stations and infrastructure. The improvements and funding is set out in the following table by Regional Transport Partnership (RTP) area.
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RTP
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Improvement since 2012
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Funded
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SPT area routes - Paisley Canal, Anniesland, Whifflet, East Kilbride, Neilston, Newton, Barrhead, Kilmarnock, Dunbartonshire, Lanarkshire, Ayrshire, Inverclyde, Shotts
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(a) service level
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Sunday service on Edinburgh to Glasgow via Shotts
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No increase to franchise payments
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New two hourly service between Glasgow Central and Edinburgh via Carstairs
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Scottish Goverment - franchise
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Paisley Canal electrification has provided journey time improvements
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Network RailRegulatory Asset Base (RAB)
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Increased frequency and reduced journey time between Glasgow and Ayr – Monday to Saturday (from two to four trains per hour)
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Scottish Government – franchise
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Increased frequency of service between Glasgow and Ayr on Sundays (from hourly to half hourly with earlier start and later finish)
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No increase to franchise payments
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Introduction of a two hourly service between Ayr and Edinburgh via Glasgow Central between peak periods;
Increased frequency of service between Glasgow and Gourock (from three to four per hour)
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Scottish Government - franchise
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Sunday service introduced to call at Dalmarnock station;
Sunday service introduced to call at Anderston station;
New hourly Sunday service between Glasgow and Anniesland
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No increase to franchise payments
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Electrification of the Cumbernauld route has enabled three services per hour to be provided (previously two per hour); two extended from Dalmuir to Springburn and one service between Glasgow Queen Street and Falkirk Grahamston via Cumbernauld
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Scottish Government - franchise
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Increased frequency between Glasgow Queen Street and Edinburgh via Airdrie to Bathgate providing a half hourly service from start of service;
Recast of Argyle Line services with improved journey time on some routes;
Introduction of electrified services on the Whifflet route (some routes have also been improved with early morning, later services or additional station calls)
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No increase to franchise payments
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(b) station
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Cumbernauld redevelopment
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Network Rail RAB
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Dalmarnock redevelopment
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Third party funding with RAB contribution
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Newton - new lifts and footbridge;
Hyndland - new lifts and footbridge;
Milliken Park – ramp
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Network Rail RAB
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Irvine – car park expansion
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Scottish Government budget – shovel ready
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Glasgow Central High level, Low Level, Charing Cross, Anderston and Argyle Street – Gateline
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Network Rail RAB
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Glasgow Queen Street toilet refurbishment
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Scottish Government - franchise
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Pollokshaws West – disused station building: cycle hire/repairs;
New Cumnock – disused station building: café/youth hub;
Helensburgh Central – mixed martial arts gym
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Scottish Government – Station Community Regeneration Fund (SCRF)
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A package of station enhancements have also been carried out at a large number of stations in the SPT area such as new customer information screens, new shelters, cycle racks, ticket vending machines, wi-fi, seating, automatic ticket doors, adjustable counters, environmental improvements etc.
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Scottish Government – franchise/ third party
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(c) infrastructure
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Rutherglen and Coatbridge (Whifflet electrification);
Cumbernauld electrification;
Paisley corridor improvements;
Paisley Canal electrification;
Newton junction re-doubling to provide improved line speed;
Busby Junction doubling;
Whitecraigs turnback
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RAB
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SWESTRANS routes – Stranraer, Carlisle and Newcastle
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(a) service level
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Early morning service from Dumfries to Glasgow;
Additional Sunday evening Glasgow to Stranraer service
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No increase to franchise payments
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(b) station
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A package of station enhancements have also been carried out at a number of stations in the area such as new customer information screens, new shelters, cycle racks, ticket vending machines, wi-fi, seating, automatic ticket doors, adjustable counters, environmental improvements etc.
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Scottish Government – franchise/third party
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(c) infrastructure
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Hurlford improvement;
Dumfries station turnback and line speed improvements
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Network Rail RAB
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SEStran routes – Fife, Newcraighall, North Berwick, Dunbar, Edinburgh-Glasgow
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(a) service level
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Enhanced Sunday service on Fife Circle providing an hourly frequency;
New Sunday Perth to Edinburgh service via Dunfermline and return journey in the evening;
Introduction of a Saturday service between Edinburgh and Dunbar;
Increased frequency between Glasgow Queen Street and Edinburgh via Falkirk High providing a half hourly service from start of service;
Increased frequency of Sunday service between Stirling and Edinburgh
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No increase to franchise payments
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(b) station
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Haymarket redevelopment;
Edinburgh Waverley redevelopment and steps upgrade;
Linlithgow – new lifts;
Rosyth – new access ramp;
Shotts – new access ramp;
Camelon line speed improvement;
Ladybank junction
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Network Rail RAB
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Bathgate – car park expansion
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Scottish Government budget - shovel ready
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North Queensferry – disused station building: exhibition centre
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Scottish Government - SCRF
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A package of station enhancements have also been carried out at a number of stations in the area such as new customer information screens, new shelters, cycle racks, ticket vending machines, wi-fi, seating, automatic ticket doors, adjustable counters, environmental improvements etc.
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Scottish Government – franchise/ third party
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(c) infrastructure
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No improvements
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Tactran routes – Dundee, Stirling, Perth, Dunblane, Alloa
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(a) service level
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Additional calls at Monifeith, Broughty; Ferry and Invergowrie stations on Monday to Saturday;
Early morning Dundee to Inverness service;
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No increase to franchise payments
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(b) station
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Gleneagles station refurbishment and enhancement
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RAB and other third parties
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Dunblane – new footbridge;
Perth – new footbridge, Gateline
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Network Rail RAB
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Ladybank – new car park
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Scottish Government budget - shovel ready
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Ladybank – disused station building: multi-purpose meeting room
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Scottish Government - SCRF
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A package of station enhancements have also been carried out at a number of stations in the area such as new customer information screens , new shelters, cycle racks, ticket vending machines, wi-fi, seating, automatic ticket doors, adjustable counters, environmental improvements etc.
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Scottish Government – franchise/ third party
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(c) infrastructure
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Stirling Middle junction;
Barnhill line speed improvement
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Network Rail RAB
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Nestrans routes -
Aberdeen, Inverness,
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(a) service level
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Additional weekday calls at Portlethen and Laurencekirk stations
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No increase to franchise payments
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Increased frequency of service between Glasgow and Aberdeen on a Sunday providing an hourly service (previously two hourly).
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Scottish Government - franchise
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(b) station
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Dyce – new footbridge;
Montrose – new footbridge
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Network Rail RAB
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Keith – car park expansion
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Scottish Government – shovel ready
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A package of station enhancements have also been carried out at a number of stations in the area such as new customer information screens, new shelters, cycle racks, ticket vending machines, wi-fi, seating, automatic ticket doors, adjustable counters, environmental improvements etc.
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Scottish Government – franchise/ third party
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(c) infrastructure
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No improvements
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HITRANS routes - Oban, Mallaig, Wick, Thurso, Kyle of Lochalsh, Fort William
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(a) service level
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New station call at Conon Bridge station
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No increase to franchise payments
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Increased frequency of service between Glasgow and Oban on weekdays (from three services to six service per day)
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Scottish Government – franchise
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Increased frequency of service between Glasgow and Oban on Sunday (from one service to two services)
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No increase to franchise payments
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(b) station
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Conon Bridge station development
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Scottish Government with contribution from other third parties
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Inverness – Gateline
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Network Rail RAB
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Tain – disused station building: restaurant and bar;
Helmsdale – disused station building: Holiday let
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Scottish Government - SCRF
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A package of station enhancements have also been carried out at a number of stations in the area such as new customer information screens, new shelters, cycle racks, ticket vending machines, seating, automatic ticket doors, adjustable counters, environmental improvements etc.
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Scottish Government – franchise/ third party
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(c) infrastructure
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No improvements
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- Asked by: Elaine Smith, MSP for Coatbridge and Chryston, Scottish Labour
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Date lodged: Monday, 06 October 2014
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Current Status:
Answered by Keith Brown on 30 October 2014
To ask the Scottish Government for what reasons rolling stock operated under contract with Transport Scotland will be allowed to discharge effluent on the tracks until 1 January 2020.
Answer
From December 2017 there will be no ScotRail or Caledonian Sleeper franchise-operated rolling stock that discharges toilet effluent on to the track.
The original deadline of 1 January 2020 was chosen to provide a practically sufficient period to allow the ScotRail franchisee the time to be able to remove vehicles from service for the fitment of controlled emission tanks without adversely affecting their ability to operate the rail services in Scotland.
Until then, Network Rail remains actively engaged with track working front line staff and operators to remove existing waste and to minimise the locations on the network where such effluent is deposited. Network Rail has advised that they have secured specialist contractors to support a programme of deep cleaning at key site locations and this work remains ongoing.
- Asked by: Elaine Smith, MSP for Coatbridge and Chryston, Scottish Labour
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Date lodged: Monday, 06 October 2014
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Current Status:
Answered by Keith Brown on 30 October 2014
To ask the Scottish Government what discussions with rolling stock companies it had regarding the design of the invitation to tender for ScotRail services published in January 2014 and whether it discussed the deadline for connecting rolling stock toilets to effluent retention tanks.
Answer
During early 2013, Transport Scotland held a series of market briefings with the rail industry about the franchise procurement exercise and the franchise objectives. The draft invitation to tender (ITT) was issued to pre-qualified bidders in November 2013 with the final ITT issued to bidders in January 2014.
From December 2017 there will be no ScotRail or Caledonian Sleeper franchise-operated rolling stock that discharges toilet effluent on to the track.
- Asked by: Elaine Smith, MSP for Coatbridge and Chryston, Scottish Labour
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Date lodged: Monday, 06 October 2014
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Current Status:
Answered by Keith Brown on 30 October 2014
To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with the UK Government regarding effluent discharge on the tracks in Scotland from rolling stock operated on cross-border passenger rail services since May 2011 and what remedies have been discussed.
Answer
The specification of rolling stock for cross-border services is a reserved matter for the UK Government. I have written to the UK Secretary of State for Transport to confirm that from December 2017 there will be no ScotRail or Caledonian Sleeper franchise-operated rolling stock that discharges toilet effluent on to the track and I have asked if the Secretary of State intends to accelerate a similar plan on cross-border passenger rail services in Scotland.
- Asked by: Elaine Smith, MSP for Coatbridge and Chryston, Scottish Labour
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Date lodged: Monday, 06 October 2014
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Current Status:
Answered by Keith Brown on 30 October 2014
To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of the benefits to rail freight (a) volumes and (b) services of the next franchised ScotRail contract, broken down by (i) route and (ii) region.
Answer
We have a very clear expectation as part of our overall strategy that Abellio ScotRail will work closely with the rail freight sector, Network Rail and other stakeholders to maximise the economic and social impact of Scotland’s railways. For example, in the efficient delivery of major projects such as the Highland Main Line improvements and the identification, development and delivery of high value, opportunity led interventions through the CP5 funds.
- Asked by: Elaine Smith, MSP for Coatbridge and Chryston, Scottish Labour
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Date lodged: Monday, 06 October 2014
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Current Status:
Answered by Keith Brown on 30 October 2014
To ask the Scottish Government when it will announce the successful bidder for the ScotRail franchise and on what date it will publish the franchise agreement.
Answer
On 8 October 2014, Scottish Ministers announced the intention to award the new ScotRail franchise to Abellio ScotRail Limited.
The ScotRail franchise agreement will be published in due course.
- Asked by: Elaine Smith, MSP for Coatbridge and Chryston, Scottish Labour
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Date lodged: Monday, 06 October 2014
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Current Status:
Answered by Keith Brown on 30 October 2014
To ask the Scottish Government how many carriages fitted with passenger toilet facilities licensed to operate on the ScotRail franchise are fitted with controlled emission toilets that are (a) connected and (b) not connected to effluent retention tanks and what proportion of the ScotRail rolling stock this represents.
Answer
The number of carriages fitted with passenger toilet facilities operated by the ScotRail franchisee is 527.
The number of carriages with passenger toilet facilities connected to effluent retention tanks is 479.
The number of carriages with passenger toilet facilities not connected to effluent retention tanks is 48 – this represents 9% of the carriages fitted with passenger toilet facilities.
From December 2017 there will be no ScotRail or Caledonian Sleeper franchise-operated rolling stock that discharges toilet effluent on to the track.
