NETWORK Rail and ScotRail have signed a strengthened alliance agreement that commits both organisations to greater integration to deliver a safe, reliable, and green railway.
The new agreement updates that which was signed by ScotRail and Network Rail in 2015, and comes as part of the Scottish Government’s commitment to an integrated railway to deliver positive outcomes for Scotland’s economy, society, and users of the railway.
Under the high-level output specification, by which the Scottish Government sets out the investment priorities for Network Rail Scotland, a number of projects are underway which require the infrastructure company and train operator to work more closely together to deliver for passengers and freight customers.
Work is also being carried out to identify specific areas where greater integration will deliver a better service for passengers and freight customers, recognising that both will remain separate companies.
The outcome of this work will report to the alliance executive, the joint executive committee of ScotRail and Network Rail Scotland, by the end of March 2025. Oversight will be provided by the alliance board, which is attended by representatives from ScotRail, Network Rail, Scottish Rail Holdings, and Transport Scotland.
There is already integration and close collaboration in a number of areas, including the integrated control centre, a joint climate action plan, and the work underway to replace ScotRail’s train fleet over the coming decades.
Liam Sumpter, Network Rail Scotland MD, said, “Scotland’s Railway provides a vital transport link to thousands of people across the country every single day. From vital connections to our rural communities, through to heavily utilised networks across Scotland’s cities, our railway community, which also includes over 8,800 colleagues working on track and train, is a vital part of our nation’s transport infrastructure.
“Through taking more opportunities to work together and collaborate, we can continue to develop a safer and more reliable railway, which will be to the benefit of Scotland’s economy, our environment as well as our passengers, customer and colleagues long into the future.”
Joanne Maguire, ScotRail MD, added, “The best way to deliver a safe, reliable, and green railway in Scotland is for ScotRail and Network Rail to work together as much as possible, while recognising that we remain two separate companies.
“The signing of a strengthened alliance agreement is a great opportunity to work even more closely with Network Rail. We are committed to greater integration to ensure the best possible service for our passengers and freight customers.”
