The Press and Journal today had the story of the increase in rail passengers in and around Aberdeen. The success is down to the reality of travel. Its frankly better travelling by train than sitting in a car. The idea that one should then turn to NESTRANS to have this debated suggests its role is somehow positive. Well that’s not certain.
NESTRANS is a body that now sits in the way of discussion – its narrow political leadership now dictate the two Council’s policies about travel and transport. Aberdeenshire Councillors have failed to back Crossrail because NESTRANS have failed to stick up for Crossrail.
If NESTRANS is to redeem itself as actually being a body that carries out the wishes of an electorate rather than one which filters out any democratic or environmental demands, then they should take the figures and properly get to work making Crossrail a reality. More stations, better trains, improved track will – as the current figures demonstrate – will attract more passengers and therefore improve carbon emissions and reduce congestion.
All of this would be preferable to be done before construction of the Western Peripheral Car Park, because that is what it will be without the integrated Transport Strategy needed for the City and Shire. The WPR is only of benefit if it does not grow traffic but creates improved environments along with other schemes. Having a WPR and nothing else of note will be the worst of all worlds.
After restoring Crossrail and an Integrated Transport Strategy, perhaps they could think again on the East Coast mainline – point out to some of the Councillors who think it goes via Perth, that it is via Fife – and see if electrification and capacity can be improved.
