ScotRail and Network Rail: alliance in action

FirstGroup has been operating the ScotRail franchise since 2004. Eight years on, we remain resolute in our aim to deliver a leaner and more reliable railway over the next two years and beyond.

We believe we are much more than a railway operator and have a significant part to play in improving the fabric of Scottish society – by connecting communities, contributing to sustainable economic growth, safeguarding Scotland’s environment, getting more people to use trains, and creating quality job and training opportunities.

As a ‘can do organisation’ which is innovative and responsive to customer needs, our commitment has already led to record numbers of services – more than 2,300 a day; growth in passenger numbers – at a record high of 81.1 million a year; delivery of better facilities at stations and on trains; and more jobs, which are up 30%.

Central to our plans to deliver a more efficient railway is our alliance with Network Rail. This closer working relationship will lead to a more reliable railway and to further infra – structure enhancements, delivered with cost savings for the industry and Government.

Alliance in action: Paisley Canal

One of the first projects to be delivered by this alliance is the £12 million electrification of the historic Paisley Canal Line that runs west from Glasgow to Paisley, Scotland’s largest town.

The line, which runs just south of the mainline through Paisley to Inverclyde and Ayrshire, was previously a diesel ‘island’ within the largely electric Strathclyde area.

The project will see five miles of railway electrified between Paisley Canal and Corkerhill, sections of track altered to allow electric trains to run on the line, and improvements to stations and bridges.

By working together more closely and efficiently, both organisations have been able to significantly reduce the cost of the project, down to £12 million from an original estimate of £28 million.

The faster acceleration of electric trains – in this case Class 314s – supplemented at peak times by air-conditioned Class 380 units – will mean the 30 minute timetable is more reliable with far fewer delays for customers. There will also be an extra 70 seats on daytime services.

The overall result will be a more com – fortable, quieter – and greener – journey for all passengers.

Engineering work began in September 2012. Most of the ‘piling’– when the stanchions to hold overhead line equipment are fixed into the ground – has been performed at night.

For the first time in the UK, main contractor Babcock has deployed a new state-of-the-art piling machine. The ‘Kirow KRC’ is a 25 tonne capacity rail-mounted crane which can work much faster and – crucially for the people who live beside the rail line – much more quietly.

The rail tracks have been lowered in key places to avoid having to raise the height of bridges over the line. In October 2012, Hawkhead station was demolished and rebuilt during a week-long blockade so that the new platform was at the correct height for the lowered rail tracks.

The collaboration on this project is saving time and money without compromising on quality. It’s testament to the skills and flexibility of all involved and sets a high standard for future alliance projects.