1. FOREWORD

Transport Scotland was created in January 2006 to deliver a £3 billion capital investment programme to 2010 and beyond as well as being responsible for the rail and trunk road networks and overseeing their operation and management. We are also responsible for running the Scotland-wide Free Concessionary Travel Scheme for older and disabled people and the concessionary travel scheme for young people.

Our first Corporate Plan 2006-2008 set out our high-level aims, the objectives and targets to achieve those aims; and our resources.

In its first year the agency demonstrated substantial progress across its remit and its fundamental purpose of improving Scotland’s transport networks and making a difference for people and businesses using the national road and rail systems. I have reported fully on this activity in the Agency’s first Annual Report & Annual Accounts 06/07.

This, our second annual Business Plan, is the last within our current Corporate Plan period and sets out our yearly steps towards delivery for 2007/08. We plan to build on the experience of our first year of operation to improve Scotland’s national transport network and thereby open up new economic and social opportunities.

The start of this Business Plan period coincided with preparations for the Scottish Parliamentary elections. Following the change in administration this plan was updated and re-presented to Ministers for formal approval later in the year. Our targets for 2007/08 include improving trunk road condition and efficiency and contributing to the Scottish Government’s target to reduce serious and fatal road accidents through the delivery of our annual road safety improvement programmes.

On the railways we will work with Network Rail and manage and monitor the ScotRail franchise to help improve the service to passengers. We will also work towards increasing rail passenger numbers by 2% per annum and maintain the progress in delivering major rail projects.

We will continue to manage the concessionary fare schemes for the older and disabled and for young people and ensure the widest possible availability and ease of use of both schemes.

We will continue to advise Scottish Ministers on strategic priorities for rail and trunk roads in Scotland and work with other transport providers, representative groups and wider government to provide strategic guidance and a clear outward focus on the needs of transport users. This will include the delivery of the Strategic Transport Projects Review to inform the next 10 year transport investment plan.

Without the hard work of our staff and business partners we would not have achieved so much in our first year. We will continue to manage and develop our staff through effective leadership and we will build and develop Transport Scotland to reflect our commitment to equality and diversity.

Finally we will continue to review and improve our business processes where required to ensure Transport Scotland continuously improves how it delivers.

Malcolm Reed
Chief Executive