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The Scottish Government is currently unable to develop a national integrated public transport timetable as it does not possess the powers to do so across all modes.

The majority of bus services in Scotland are commercially operated and the Scottish Government does not have control over their timetables. Where local authorities are subsidising a bus service, there are opportunities to influence the timetable for the parts of the service they are subsidising, however, this would depend on individual contracts. There are also opportunities to influence bus timetables through franchising and Bus Service Improvement Partnerships.

Where there are opportunities for Scottish Government influence, such as through contracted or managed ferry and rail services, we encourage development of integrated timetables where feasibly possible. An example of this is CalMac ferry timetables which includes details of connecting ScotRail services. We also encourage operators to engage with the public and stakeholders on proposed changes to timetables. For example, ScotRail launched a consultation in September 2023 on timetable options for the new Levenmouth Rail Link, and CalMac are required to consult twice-yearly with communities on changes to timetables.

Finally, to support integrated journeys, new Digital Travel Data Services (DTDS) have been procured that will enhance the data systems that sit behind Traveline Scotland and other journey planner providers, so that passengers can be more informed about their journey options. The new services will provide accurate, up-to-date and extensive public transport and travel information, helping passengers stay more informed about their journey options and costs across modes and operators.

We are progressing Recommendation 19 of the Strategic Transport Projects Review 2 (STPR2), reviewing station accessibility across Scotland, including Kirckonnel, Annan and Sanquhar. This work will identify and remove barriers to travel and improve access for all to the rail network, prioritising those stations that have particular accessibility related requirements.

The review is anticipated to complete in Spring 2024, whilst it is too early to comment on any outcome to the review, Recommendation 19 reinforces the Scottish Government commitment to improve access for all to Scotland’s Rail Network.

SWestrans received funding from the Local Rail Development Fund to undertake the first stage of a transport appraisal using Scottish Transport Appraisal Guidance. The appraisal has considered accessibility at Kirkconnel station.

Transport Scotland reviewed the Initial Appraisal: Case for Change report received from SWestrans and officials will feedback to them on this report in the coming weeks.

As highlighted by the Deputy First Minister in her letter to the Public Audit committee on the 21 November 2023 and during the pre-budget speech, the Scottish Government is facing a real terms cut in our capital budget.

The flat and falling funding trajectory from the UK Government will and has significantly impacted our ability to deliver on our capital infrastructure commitments. The UK Government have not inflation-proofed their Capital Budget which is forecast to result in 9.8% real terms cut in our capital funding over the medium term between 2023-24 and 2027-28. We are therefore having to make tough decisions on our infrastructure projects pipeline to ensure we spend within our means while delivering for the people of Scotland.

Development of the second Strategic Transport Projects Review (STPR2) delivery plan is underway. This takes account of the current financial climate and is examining existing schemes across all modes in addition to the STPR2 recommendations. This is a complex piece of work, with consultation ongoing across the Scottish Government, including with Statutory Bodies and Exchequer officials. This exercise will allow for the timeline for the publication to be confirmed and confirm any statutory requirements, which of course, Parliament will be informed of at the earliest opportunity.

The funding will cover initial assessment of options for improvements to the A75, specifically around Crocketford and Springholm up to conclusion of Design Manual for Roads and Bridges (DMRB) Stage 2.

While funding is confirmed, it has not yet been allocated or received. My officials are working with the UK Government officials on the legal and financial mechanisms of securing this funding. Once these are completed, we will then be able to set a draft timetable for the design development to progress.

This kind of work can take a number of years, for which the outcome is a preferred route announcement. My officials are taking every step necessary to have this work ready to commence next financial year. They are already beginning to prepare procurement documents to appoint a technical advisor. Once funding formalities are complete, they will immediately progress procurement of a technical advisor to undertake the necessary design and assessment work.

The Lord President has been involved in the process of identifying a chair to the public inquiry and discussions are now at an advanced stage. The member will be aware that there will also be an independent clinical review of individual cases for those former patients who would like to participate, and planning for that is also well underway. At this time I am unable to provide a definitive start date for the clinical reviews, however I will endeavour to update Parliament once a date is agreed.

ScotRail Trains has seen significant recovery in demand and positive growth in revenue during the transition from the pandemic during which it took over the operation of services.

The level of funding paid to ScotRail has therefore seen some reduction as a result of the on-going positive growth and recovery from the pandemic, although additional funding has been specifically provided to support the pilot removal of peak fares.

More widely, the Scottish Government’s total funding for Scotland’s railway system continues to increase and will be around £1.6bn in 2024/25.

I cannot currently give an estimate of timescale for the planned feasibility study into improvements to the A75. While funding is confirmed, it has not yet been allocated or received. My officials are working with the UK Government officials on the legal and financial mechanisms of securing this funding. Once these are completed, we will then be able to set a draft timetable for the design development to progress.

This kind of work can take a number of years, for which the outcome is a preferred route announcement.

My officials are taking every step necessary to have this work ready to commence next financial year. They are already beginning to prepare procurement documents to appoint a technical advisor. Once funding formalities are complete, they will immediately progress procurement of a technical advisor to undertake the necessary design and assessment work.

The Scottish Government has not made any projections for any inflation-based losses incurred on the interest-free loan. In response to the maturing EV market as well as the current cost of living crisis we have reduced the amount of funds provided per vehicle slightly to maximise value for money and impact of loan funding. We regularly review the loan to ensure it benefits as many people as possible. This included opening up the loan eligibility to support the used EV market in 2020.

Funding provided to Energy Saving Trust (EST) to deliver the Low Carbon Transport Loan needs to be spent each year to deliver Scottish Government policy, therefore, it is not possible for the Scottish Government to hold onto funding to accrue interest.

The Scottish Government provides annual funding to Energy Saving Trust (EST) who are an independent organisation looking to address the climate emergency, EST then delivery the Low Carbon Transport Loan on behalf of Scottish Ministers.

Since the scheme launched in 2011, EST have paid out (i) £176.5 million in loans for new vehicles and (ii) £46.2 millions in loans for used vehicles. (A) To date £101.5 million has been paid back for new vehicle loans and £7.8 million for used vehicle loans. (B) The scheme’s terms and conditions require the loan to be repaid over a term of up to 6 years (5 years for the used EV loan). EST can recycle loan repayments to fund further loans in order to maximise the value and impact of the scheme.

Expected travel time improvement and other benefits of the proposed bypass schemes can only be confirmed after the conclusion of the Design Manual for Roads and Bridges (DMRB) Options Assessment work.

This planned work will assess the necessary evidence and data to determine the preferred configuration and layout of any bypass, however, until this work is completed it is not possible to confirm at this time as to what the potential time savings will be.