Short-sighted decision by Transport Scotland
09, 10 25 23:31
The Scotsman covered the unwelcome news that after deliberating for over 18 months, Transport Scotland had decided that there was no socio-economic case for a railway of any kind to St Andrews and that all that was needed was an enhanced bus service.
In their 'technical review' of the Detailed Options Appraisal Transport Scotland, while commenting upon reduced commuting, appeared oblivious to the special status of St Andrews. They apparently knew nothing of the 7 million visitors who descended upon St Andrews in 2024, nor yet the £317M generated just by golf in its traditional home. Nor did they seem to be aware of the ill-fated 'Virtual Branch Line' of 2009 which, far from attracting motorists out of cars and into buses, resulted in Leuchars station car-park having to be doubled in size.
The idea that Oxford or Cambridge doesn’t need its railway stations would be considered ludicrous.
The idea that Canterbury, a historic ecclesiastical centre, doesn’t need its railway stations would be considered ludicrous.
The idea that the Scottish Oxbridge, the Scottish Canterbury, the cradle of Scottish tourism, international destination and the world Home of Golf is absolutely ludicrous.
As for buses, Alloa was told that all they needed was better buses - it clearly wasn’t; now they have a railway
Levenmouth was told all they needed was better buses - it clearly wasn’t; now they have a railway
St Andrews has been told that all we need is better buses - it clearly isn’t, so we will get our railway
In their 'technical review' of the Detailed Options Appraisal Transport Scotland, while commenting upon reduced commuting, appeared oblivious to the special status of St Andrews. They apparently knew nothing of the 7 million visitors who descended upon St Andrews in 2024, nor yet the £317M generated just by golf in its traditional home. Nor did they seem to be aware of the ill-fated 'Virtual Branch Line' of 2009 which, far from attracting motorists out of cars and into buses, resulted in Leuchars station car-park having to be doubled in size.
The idea that Oxford or Cambridge doesn’t need its railway stations would be considered ludicrous.
The idea that Canterbury, a historic ecclesiastical centre, doesn’t need its railway stations would be considered ludicrous.
The idea that the Scottish Oxbridge, the Scottish Canterbury, the cradle of Scottish tourism, international destination and the world Home of Golf is absolutely ludicrous.
As for buses, Alloa was told that all they needed was better buses - it clearly wasn’t; now they have a railway
Levenmouth was told all they needed was better buses - it clearly wasn’t; now they have a railway
St Andrews has been told that all we need is better buses - it clearly isn’t, so we will get our railway