Network Rail tight-lipped over Glasgow tram-train plans

By Andy Roden
|
16 August 2016
News

Network Rail has rejected a Freedom of Information request to disclose details of discussions over a possible tram-train link at Glasgow Airport.

Local media reports that NR rejected the request by saying it was ‘“not in the public interest” to make a full disclosure of its communications with the Glasgow Airport Access Project, adding that the call for transparency was outweighed by a greater need for privacy.

NR reportedly believes that revealing the content of emails and other correspondence would make those involved less likely to express contentious views in future for fear of criticism, thereby seriously undermining the process of liaison.

NR’s stance comes amid mounting scepticism surrounding the feasibility of the £144 million project, and the availability of spare capacity at Glasgow Central station to handle increased traffic from train-trams.

The non-disclosure made under the Freedom of Information Act is expected to be legally challenged.

More articles on:

Author: Andy Roden

Contributing Writer, RAIL

Andrew joined RAIL in 2000 as a news and features writer. He has written four books, covered the UK and international rail industries, and led 2005’s successful campaign to save the ‘Night Riviera’ sleeper train. He is also a regular commentator on rail matters on television and radio for RAIL.

Comments (3)

Login to comment

Comments

Donald Stirling - 16/08/2016 19:40

Maybe talk of tram-trains should be taken in the context of what appear to be 'undefined' timescales for the introduction of similar delivered vehicles in Rotherham. It is NOT proven technology. The original heavy rail link was to cost (apparently) £175m.....
- 0
- 0
- David - 17/08/2016 10:02
  
  Yep. The Rotherham extension is fast becoming a complete farce.
  0
  
  1
Andrewjgwilt1989 - 16/08/2016 23:16

Train-train is becoming a new thing with trams that not only use tram tracks but also will use heavy rail and the new Class 399 is being built as a tram-train as part of the Sheffield Supertram extension to Rotherham using heavy rail and is dual voltage working on 750 V DC OHLE and 25 kV 50 Hz AC OHLE. But not just Sheffield and Rotherham but also other cities including Glasgow are also concidering on planning to introduce new tram-trains with tram-train in Glasgow will see a new service from Central Glasgow to Glasgow Airport on its new route via Paisley . https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sheffield_Supertram https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vossloh_Citylink https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_Rail_Class_399 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tram-train
- 0
- 0
- David - 17/08/2016 10:05
  
  Thanks for all the Wikipedia links and your eternal optimism. The Rotherham extension is still being delayed however, I don't think the cities themselves are that impressed.
  0
  
  0
  - Andrewjgwilt1989 - 17/08/2016 14:45
    
    Right.
    
    0
    
    0
John Harper - 30/08/2016 16:11

Train trams do make sense for the Glasgow Airlink, as being able to take tighter curves they will save money on expensive infrastructure at the Paisley / Airport end. They could use Gilmour St, and then run into the City using the mainline diverging near to Central crossing the Clyde using existing road bridges (which may need to be strenghtened) stoping twice at Central for a low level exchange and in Gordon Street for the mainline, running through to George Square. This connects the Airport to the whole Scotrail network (and eventually HS2) and provides a useful link between Queen St and Central. It also avoids using capacity at Central that will be needed for HS2.
- 0
- 0