The Scottish Government have confirmed that plans for decarbonisation of the Fife Circle Rail network are in development.
Transport Secretary, Fiona Hyslop MSP in answer to a written questions I submitted said “It is expected this will be one of the next parts of the Scottish network to be decarbonised, after the current work to electrify the East Kilbride line. The scope of the work in Fife will be developed and appraised alongside consideration of new battery-electric trains.”
I then raised the issue directly in Parliament asking the Transport Secretary: “Is there a replacement train programme in place for areas such as Fife” to which Ms Hyslop responded: “The replacement of the rail fleet is a priority for the Scottish Government. It is clear that the more we electrify, the more trains will be released that can support the current Fife system. However, I am also conscious of the need to develop the decarbonised Fife route.” She continued: “In the meantime, maintenance is really important. The recruitment of an additional 20 to 40 engineers has been helping the network generally, and Fife in particular. Alex Rowley is probably more interested in the longer term. I will keep him apprised of that.”
It would seem that the electrification of the Fife Circle is some years away but I am pushing for a timetable so that we know what the government is working towards. The rolling stock currently used in Fife must be, in the meantime, updated to ensure a good quality service and we need more carriages on at peak times so no one is left standing on platforms unable to get on packed trains as I have witnessed in recent weeks.
I am pushing the government to make the removal of peak time fares permanent as I see these fares as a tax on workers and if we are serious about getting people to leave the car and use public transport then we must do more to make public transport accessible, affordable and reliable. This means we must an improvement to the current rail stock that services Fife.
SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT
WRITTEN ANSWER
4 March 2024
Index Heading: Transport Scotland
Alex Rowley (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Scottish Labour Party): To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to decarbonise the Fife Circle rail route.
S6W-25774
Fiona Hyslop: Plans for decarbonisation of the Fife Circle are in development. It is expected this will be one of the next parts of the Scottish network to be decarbonised, after the current work to electrify the East Kilbride line. The scope of the work in Fife will be developed and appraised alongside consideration of new battery-electric trains.
