Question reference: S5W-30932
- Asked by: Linda Fabiani, MSP for East Kilbride, Scottish National Party
- Date lodged: 27 July 2020
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Current status: Initiated by the Scottish Government. Answered by Michael Matheson on 28 July 2020
Question
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide a progress update on the rail decarbonisation action plan.
Answer
I am delighted to announce that in meeting our Programme for Government commitment the Rail Decarbonisation Action Plan is being published today.
This action plan sets out in detail how the Scottish Government will ambitiously decarbonise Scotland’s rail passenger services by 2035, furthering our efforts to reduce emissions in transport, while helping contribute to a green economic recovery following the health pandemic. Our action plan will result in Scotland being the first area in the UK to have fully decarbonised passenger services.
Significant development work on the East Kilbride and Barrhead lines, is already underway, with other proposals in the rolling programme of electrification also being progressed. Innovative proposals are being developed by the rail industry to introduce alternative traction options which support the reduction in carbon emissions. Transport Scotland’s direct engagement with train manufacturers and owners continues with the aim to make rail travel in Scotland more attractive, improve connectivity and encourage greater modal shift across the country.
Further details can be found on Transport Scotland’s website.