Network Rail and ScotRail have signed a strengthened Alliance Agreement, solidifying their commitment to working closer together for a safer, more reliable, and environmentally friendly railway network in Scotland.
This agreement builds upon the initial alliance established between these two entities back in 2015, when ScotRail was under private operation by Abellio.
Focus on Integration and Collaboration
The Scottish Government, which now oversees both Network Rail Scotland and ScotRail, is committed to a more integrated approach to railway management. This will ensure the best possible outcomes for Scotland’s economy, society, and all users of the railway system.
The new agreement outlines several key areas for collaboration, including:
- Joint Project Delivery: Aligning efforts to deliver projects identified within the Scottish Government’s High-Level Output Specification (HLOS), which sets investment priorities for Network Rail Scotland.
- Enhanced Passenger and Freight Services: Identifying initiatives that can improve service reliability and satisfaction for both passengers and freight customers.
- Sustainability Focus: Working together to deliver a greener railway network through initiatives like the existing joint climate action plan.
Benefits for All Stakeholders
The Alliance Executive – a joint committee composed of representatives from both ScotRail and Network Rail Scotland – will assess potential areas for further integration by March 2025. The Alliance Board, which includes members from ScotRail, Network Rail, Scottish Rail Holdings, and Transport Scotland, will oversee this process.
Liam Sumpter, Network Rail Scotland Managing Director, 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 Managing Director, said: “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.”
Full details of the strengthened Alliance Agreement are available at: https://scotlandsrailway.com/assets/site/Alliance-Agreement/Scotland-Alliance-Agreement-2024.pdf
