Ministear airson Taigheadasagus Comhdhail Minister for Housing and Transport

Keith Mac IIle Dhuinn BPA Keith Brown MSP

FIT: 08457741741
E: scottish.ministers@scotland.gsi.gov.uk

The Scottish Government

Riaghaltas na h-Alba

Ms Kezia Dugdale MSP The Scottish Parliament EDINBURGH EH991SP

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Ur faidhlefYour ref: Ar faidhle/Our ref: 2011/1027109

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December 2011

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Thank you for your letter of the 24 November 2011 to Alex Neil, Cabinet Secretary for Infrastructure and Capital Investment. As rail matters are under my portfolio I have been asked to respond on behalf of the Cabinet Secretary. The Scottish Government is committed to providing sustainable, integrated and cost effective public transport alternatives to the private car. When considering the case for new rail stations, for example Abbeyhill, the potential benefits for new passengers need to be balanced against the negative impacts on existing passengers. The impact on the Scottish Government subsidy requirements also needs to be considered as annual rail operating costs can be considerable. Scottish Ministers would give careful consideration to any proposal advanced for new --s=-'t'a-tions such as Abbeyhill. However, it would be for local interestS-to develop-me DusinesS--case for such proposals and to demonstrate an investment case for the new station that would not adversely impact the wider strategic network including the delivery of investment programmes such as EGIP. The Scottish Transport Appraisal Guidance (STAG) provides advice on appraising a project. A STAG study should clearly identify a specific transport problem or opportunity and, as an objective led process, it is important consideration is given to all potential options and modes of travel. A STAG study, demonstrating the value for money of a particular option, effectively forms the strategic business case for a project.

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Cidhe Bhict6ria. Dun Eideann, EH6 6QQ Victoria Quay. Edinburgh EH6 6QQ www.scotland.gov.uk

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You may be aware of the Rail2014 Public Consultation, which provides an opportunity for interested parties to have their say in the shape of Scotland rail passenger services from 2014. Details of this consultation can be found on the Transport Scotland web site at: www.transportscotland.qov.uk/RaiI2014 .

I am copying this letter to Mr Neil, Cabinet Secretary for Infrastructure and Capital Investment. Kind regards

KEITH BROWN

Cidhe Bhictoria. Dun Eideann. EH6 6QQ Victoria Quay. Edinburgh EH6 6QQ www.scotland.gov.uk

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