The UK Government is to invest £3.6 billion in Scotland’s railways over 5 years, an amount of money which could pay for 360 Reston stations.
Ministers have revealed the Scottish Government will receive more than £3.6 billion over five years from 2019/20 – an increase of £600 million on the previous period.
Alongside this, the Scottish Government is also being given greater control over how its rail is funded, so it can choose how best to use this money to improve the reliability of services for passengers, fund upgrades and invest in faster and more comfortable trains.
The Scottish Government is also receiving additional funding through the Barnett system following the UK’s investment in HS2. They have the flexibility to also spend this on Scottish railways.
Following the announcement, local MP John Lamont has said there is now little excuse for the Scottish Government to delay over the reopening of Reston Station. He has also said that with funding for up to 2025 secured, now is the time to start planning for the extension of the Borders Railway to Hawick and on to Carlisle.
John Lamont MP said: “This is a hugely significant amount of money which will give the Scottish Government the opportunity to modernise and improve our railway infrastructure.
“This investment is particularly generous given that transport is a devolved issue and therefore under the control of the Scottish Government and paid for by the block grant.
“It’s a prime example of how Scotland benefits from the UK’s broad shoulders.
“The cost of reopening Reston station is a mere drop in the ocean when compared to the massive £3.6 billion boost coming from Westminster. The SNP need to stop dragging their feet over this and start work as soon as possible.
“With funding for the next few years secured, now is also the time for the Scottish and UK Government to start work on the feasibility of extending the Borders railway to Hawick and on to Carlisle.”