Railways crucial to green recovery
Scotland’s railways are crucial to a green recovery from the pandemic that tackles the climate crisis, the Scottish Greens have said.
The Scottish Greens have highlighted a new report from the rail unions which calls for an upgrade in Scotland’s railways once Scotrail comes into public hands next year.
The report makes several references to the Scottish Greens ‘Rail for All’ report, published last term, which made the case for investment in decarbonising Scotland’s railways.
Scottish Greens transport spokesperson Mark Ruskell said: “This is a timely report from the rail unions which outlines how crucial the railways are to a green recovery. The cooperation deal between the Scottish Greens and Government commits to reducing car/km by 20% by 2030 to tackle Scotland’s high transport emissions, and this will require growing our rail capacity.
"With over £5bn of investment and a fair fares review already secured through our cooperation deal, and the franchise coming into public hands next year, we have an opportunity to build a people’s Scotrail that serves our communities.
“This vital contribution from the rail unions shows why trade union voices must be part of shaping the future of Scotland’s railways.”