Recent content by A330Alex

The push for life extensions of existing assets over replacement (structures and signalling in particular) may create some not so fun cliff edges in the future where numerous, major capital projects are simultaneously required. Understandable given the current state of budgets of course.

Their reasoning for discounting any bus priority measures for the existing route is very questionable. They would deliver faster and more reliable journey times. One of the key benefits of a light rail solution would presumably be the ability to run on-street into St Andrews and Leuchars which...

The X47 is a curious one (with the whole three stops it skips). Perhaps passengers have been using the 43 for the Princes St connection over the 47.

~89% of 2019’s 124.2 million passengers, although perhaps slightly skewed by some passenger movement to Edinburgh Trams given the extension.

I struggle to understand this. IMO running down the Bridges corridor is clearly superior. - Significantly increased catchment. - Covers major trip generators (Royal Mile / UofE etc) and links Princes St to the South East - Enables South East - Newhaven journeys - Less new build track required

A further update. A Dumbiedykes route will be introduced if sufficient budget remains.

The latest update from the Transport and Environment Committee:

From the New Civil Engineer:

Lothian have been the dominant operator with ECB for a significant amount of time and have never felt the need for a similar Ridacard so I find it unlikely. The Ridacard itself is an old product that is non-ITSO and likely due for a replacement. I imagine Lothian would be very unlikely to...

There was a £500m reduction in the rail capital budget from 22/23 to 23/24 with a further £60m reduction from 23/24 to 24/25. Level 3 2022-23 Budget £m 2023-24 Budget £m 2024-25 Budget £m Enhancement Projects 247.0 155.8 146.9 Rail Development 2.0 – – Rail Services 1,453.0 1,083.1 965.7...

Councillors have voted to retain the existing 13 route. https://x.com/jackrmcaldwell/status/1725210371303125098

Notably the adjusted 13 would no longer server Lochend/Leith/New Town and the proposed Cramond - Balerno service would not serve Heriot-Watt.

More than a year for some of the foundations This is from from August 2022:

It’s unfortunate that Lothian haven’t adopted tap-off readers for LCB/ECB. Obviously not a solution for all, but it eliminates the destination and physical ticket faff for your standard adult contactless journey.

You can see the planning application here which has some drawings of the bridge. Construction has been significantly delayed due to issues with Network Rail but should hopefully start in December.