3. OUR CORPORATE AIMS, 2007/08 TARGETS AND PERFORMANCE MEASURES

AIM ONE

Ensure that Scotland’s rail and trunk road systems are managed efficiently, economically and effectively.

This Aim is the starting point for our role in Scotland’s transport networks, and therefore for our Corporate and Business Plans. Transport Scotland is responsible for ensuring the networks are put to best use in moving people and goods around the country with minimal delay and also with the least possible impact on the environment.

The trunk road network has been managed by central government for the last 70 years, while Scottish Ministers took on major new responsibilities for rail in 2005. Both networks are maintained by third parties – Operating Companies and Network Rail respectively. In the case of the trunk road network, Transport Scotland is responsible for specifying, procuring, managing and monitoring the work of those third parties on behalf of Ministers. The trunk road network has a total net asset value of £13.1 billion. Network Rail’s activities are subject to independent regulation through the Office of Rail Regulation (ORR), but Transport Scotland acts on behalf of Scottish Ministers as funder of these activities in Scotland and in specifying and monitoring Network Rail’s Scottish outputs.

Since Transport Scotland began work in January 2006, it has awarded four new trunk road Operating Company contracts. During 2006/07, we developed the High Level Output Specification (HLOS) and associated Statement of Funds Available (SOFA) on behalf of Scottish Ministers for the ORR Periodic Review of Network Rail which will govern its funding requirements for the period 2009-14. HLOS is a £3.6 billion blueprint aimed at delivering the strategic objectives of the National Transport Strategy, also published in 2006.

As part of its network management role for the trunk road system, Transport Scotland places a strong emphasis on road safety and improving integration. During 2007/08 we will publish a trunk road safety plan which will guide our road safety programme and help prioritise where future safety improvements are needed. We will also continue to develop and improve the quality of information for travellers – through the trunk road information service Traffic Scotland and by our involvement in the integrated transport information services Traveline Scotland and the UK service Transport Direct.

TARGET	MEASURE	TASK	DELIVER BY
Improve trunk road condition, by managing and monitoring the delivery of our annual maintenance programmes and operating contracts	Develop comprehensive indices for monitoring and measuring the condition of Scottish trunk roads	Complete the Trunk Road Asset Valuation (RAVS)	June 07
		Publish the Performance Audit Group report on the Operating Companies performance for the year 2006-07	September 07
		Assess the trunk road condition data and benchmark against quality standards elsewhere	March 08
		Develop comprehensive indices for monitoring and measuring the condition of the trunk roads	March 08
		Deliver the targeted annual road maintenance programme to agreed quality/budget/ timescales	Ongoing to March 08
Improve trunk road efficiency through the use of Intelligent Transport Systems and travel information for road users. The key outcome is to improve journey time reliability	Improvement in journey time reliability on congested/heavily trafficked sections of the network	SMART Action Plans in place for implementing the Traffic Scotland Strategy	Ongoing to March 08
		Traveline Scotland and Transport Direct to maintain a steady growth in new users over the course of 2007/08	Ongoing to March 08
Contribute to the Scottish Government’s overall target to reduce serious/fatal road accidents by 2010, through delivery of our annual road safety improvement programmes	Trunk road accident figures continue to fall in line with national trends towards 2010 target	Continue the ongoing targeted programme of low-cost safety improvements to agreed quality/budget/timescales and deliver the programme arising from the Transport Scotland Road Safety Plan	Ongoing to March 08
Improve joint working between planning authorities, developers and the Scottish Government	Deliver clear guidance for planning authorities and developers, ensuring that major developments affecting trunk roads are consistent with sustainable and socially inclusive transport policies	Hold workshops to discuss Development Management and Appraisal guidelines	September 07
		Review and report Transportation Assessment and Transport Policy Guidance	December 07
		Continue to promote early engagement with local authorities as they develop their local development and structure plans and through this involvement improve analysis of transport issues	Ongoing to March 08
	Improved analysis of transport issues within development plans	Advise planning authorities on capacity and road safety matters relating to developments affecting trunk roads	Ongoing to March 08
Work with Network Rail to facilitate its delivery of operation, maintenance and renewal targets as determined and enforced by the Office of Rail Regulation (ORR)	Effective ongoing engagement with Network Rail including ensuring that reporting and information requirements of Scottish Ministers are met by Network Rail	Review and monitor reports from Network Rail. Ensure reasonable requirements of Transport Scotland as Network Rail’s principal funder in Scotland are communicated effectively and acted upon	Ongoing to March 08
	Contribute to Network Rail’s performance and timetabling processes to ensure plans are consistent with the priorities of Transport Scotland	Work with the ORR and Network Rail to consolidate performance at above 90% Passenger Performance Measure and improve journey times wherever possible	Ongoing to March 08
Manage and monitor the ScotRail franchise	Delivery of contracted services to budget; delivery of improvements through the franchise; ensure outputs from enhancement projects benefit the rail passenger	Completion of 2007/08 phase of Station Improvement Programme and agree Programme for 2008-2010	April 08
		Maintain Service Quality Incentive Regime (SQUIRE) programme across Scotland, ensure that automation of process works smoothly and look for opportunities to review accessibility issues	September 07
		Optimise new timetables during and after completion of Waverley Station enhancement project	February 08
Increase rail passenger numbers by 2% per annum	Number of journeys made on ScotRail passenger services on a rolling annual total	Monitor and report on journey numbers	April 08

AIM TWO

Establish and run the national concessionary travel schemes.

The National Free Bus and Ferry Scheme for older and disabled people, a key commitment of Scottish Ministers, has now been established and launched. Transport Scotland is responsible for running the scheme and also the National Concessionary Travel Scheme for younger people.

Part of this role is to ensure that people eligible for the Free Scheme are aware of it, can apply easily and straightforwardly and have their application dealt with quickly and efficiently. In 2007/08 we will monitor and evaluate publicity and levels of awareness about the scheme.

To ensure the scheme is truly national, all bus and ferry operators need to offer it on eligible services. Transport Scotland will work to ensure that all relevant transport operators are signed up to participate.

During 2007/08 we will begin implementing a smartcard system across all 300 bus operators in Scotland that will allow efficiencies to be achieved in the form of improved validation of bus operator claims.

TARGET	MEASURE	TASK	DELIVER BY
Enhance the Scotland-wide Free Scheme for older and disabled people	Ensure that all reimbursement claims offer value for money	Enhanced action by survey, inspection, audit and validation to minimise exposure to fraud and errors	August 07
Enhance the National Concessionary Travel Scheme for young people on buses, trains and ferries	Enhance uptake and use of the young person scheme	Marketing campaign to increase uptake of Young Person card	August 07
Ensure the widest possible availability of both Schemes to entitled users	Evaluate effectiveness and value for money for both Schemes	Substantial market research of the target populations to develop awareness statistics, travel patterns, trends, preferences and opinions (including evidence on accessibility of bus services) for both Schemes	April 08
	During 2007/08 the average time to process an application from receipt of application to the issue of the necessary pass will meet the agreed service level	Monitor the application turnaround statistics and review the application process to ensure that the agreed service level is maintained and bettered	Ongoing to March 08
Optimise ease of use of the concessionary travel schemes	Roll out smartcards across the whole of Scotland for the bus element of the concessionary schemes to enhance efficiency	7,000 ITSO certified new ticket machines delivered and installed to Scottish bus operators and supporting back office systems delivered and operational	March 08

AIM THREE

Deliver the Scottish Government’s committed programme of enhancements to Scotland’s rail and trunk road infrastructure.

In addition to running the existing rail and trunk road networks, Transport Scotland is charged with delivering major improvements to this infrastructure over the next decade.

Delivering a new transport project involves detailed initial analysis, impact assessment and planning as well as consultation and other due process and design development. In the case of some public transport initiatives, new legislation is required before a project can proceed. Then there is acquisition of land and procurement before construction and commissioning can happen. Transport Scotland has dedicated project teams – both for rail and trunk roads – which carry out these functions as well as support the statutory process where new legislation is required.

Public transport projects are promoted and delivered by a range of third parties including local authorities, the regional transport partnerships and tie ltd. Transport Scotland leads on engagement with these third parties to ensure that Scottish Government commitments are delivered on time and to budget.

Trunk road projects in the main are directly managed by Transport Scotland, contracting with consultants and works contractors. In some cases local authorities are appointed as agent authorities and larger schemes can be taken forward jointly with contributing local authorities.

The Scottish Government is committed to an existing programme of major rail and trunk roads projects. All are complex, long-term projects with completion deadlines which can extend beyond the 2007/08 business year. This Business Plan sets out the key milestones to be delivered in 2007/08.

TARGET	MEASURE	TASK	DELIVER BY
Maintain progress in delivering portfolio of major rail projects	Complete construction phase of Stirling-Alloa-Kincardine railway project	Successfully complete major commissioning works	March 08
	Commence preparatory work for Glasgow Airport Rail Link	Start advance works on (1) overhead line and (2) mitigation of St. James playing fields	July 07
	Commence preparatory work for Airdrie-Bathgate Rail Link	Commence re-doubling work on Bathgate branch	July 07
	Borders Rail Link – complete due diligence work to permit transfer of Authorised Undertaker role to Transport Scotland	Approve final due diligence report from consultants	February 08
	Edinburgh Trams – complete funding arrangements with City of Edinburgh Council	Agree Grant Award Letter with City of Edinburgh Council	March 08
	Complete reconstruction of Waverley Station capacity works	Complete main stage commissioning works	January 08
	Acceptance of revised design proposals for Waverley Steps	Transport and Works Order in preparation	March 08
New Kincardine Crossing	Progress reports from site works and milestone payments to contractor	Project manage delivery of new crossing	Ongoing to March 08
M74	Progress tender process	Award contract (Subject to VFM considerations)	February 08
M74/A725 (Raith Interchange)	Progress with Statutory Procedures	Publication of draft orders	March 07
M8 Baillieston-Newhouse	Progress with Statutory Procedures	Publication of draft orders	October 07
A90 Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route	Progress with Statutory Procedures	Publication of draft orders	September 07
M80	Progress with Statutory Procedures	Invite tenders	March 07
Make most efficient use of budget availability for other improvements	Agreed priorities set for minor schemes and improvements 2006-10	Identify priorities for minor schemes and improvement programme to 2008 and advise Ministers accordingly	March 08
		Set deadlines for the completion of scheme designs and tender processes for 2008-09 onwards	March 08
	Quarterly review of ongoing minor and additional schemes to check deliverability	For the 2007/08 minor and additional schemes ensure delivery is on time and to budget	Ongoing to March 08

AIM FOUR

Help to build Scotland’s National Transport Strategy by recommending and advising on investment priorities for tomorrow’s rail and trunk road networks.

The National Transport Strategy (NTS) is now in place and sets out three strategic outcomes for transport:

Improving journey times and connections, to tackle congestion and the lack of integration and connections in transport which impact on our high level objectives for economic growth, social inclusion, integration and safety.
Reducing fuel emissions, to tackle the issue of climate change, air quality and health improvement which impact on our high level objective for protecting the environment and improving health;
Improving quality, accessibility and affordability, to give people a choice of public transport, where availability means better quality transport services, value for money and a realistic alternative to the car.

Transport Scotland has a key role in directing future investment in trunk roads and rail to meet these outcomes. Last year, in Scotland’s Railways, we set out how rail can contribute to these overall outcomes, and during the coming year we will define more clearly the role and contribution of the trunk road network. We provide Ministers with advice on the choices for future investment in transport, ensuring that scarce resources are used where they will have the best impact on travel within Scotland, for both individuals and businesses.

Using the correct tool for the job is essential to any assessment, and we will seek to ensure that both Scottish Transport Analysis Guidance and Transport Model for Scotland continue to meet that challenge. Underpinning research may be required for these and this will be developed in line with a refreshed Analytical Strategy. Building the reputation of both these tools through user support and feedback will be essential.

These tools will inform the Strategic Transport Projects Review that will continue through the course of the year seeking to develop a prioritised package of measures that contribute to delivering the objectives of the National Transport Strategy. A key element of that will be the conclusion of the initial work on the Forth Replacement Crossing.

This is the second year of devolved responsibility of rail industry and we will focus on developing the High Level Output Specification, setting out Ministers’ requirements for the next regulatory control period from 2009-14, and the strategy and priorities for both rail and wider transport.

We will continue to engage with the Office of Rail Regulation, to ensure that Scotland’s interests are reflected in the ongoing development of the rail industry regulatory framework, and to continually improve our relationship with Network Rail and the Department for Transport on wider industry issues, including making sure that the Scottish dimension is considered in European Union discussions, negotiations and implementation processes and that Transport Scotland is aware of the European dimension to its policies and plans.

Working in partnership with stakeholders, we will review and develop proposals to improve accessibility to the Scottish rail network, to produce an ongoing programme that meets the requirements of users.

Through our strategy and policy integration work we strive to achieve a robust evidence based approach to policy making, working with colleagues across the Scottish Government to integrate transport policy into the broader Scottish Government policy context and to mainstream equalities issues into all stages of developing policy and delivering services at Transport Scotland.

TARGET	MEASURE	TASK	DELIVER BY
Provide advice to Ministers on form, function and location of Forth Replacement Crossing	Advice submitted in summer of 2007	Undertake/deliver: Consultation Final Report (FWP6 & 7) Advice to Minister Delivery Plan	Summer 2007
	Advice submitted in summer of 2007	Progress Forth Replacement Crossing study to next phase	October 07
Advise Scottish Ministers on strategic priorities for rail and trunk roads in Scotland	Defined strategic priorities and communicated to Ministers and others through Strategic Transport Projects Review (STPR)	Provide policy expectations input on rail and trunk road priorities to guide STPR	October 07
		Deliver options report and recommendations for rail improvements on the Edinburgh – Glasgow routes and an alternative to Edinburgh Airport Rail Link (EARL)	September 07
		Deliver a programme of feasibility work on interventions in Scotland’s Railways, preparing for decisions on progression to delivery, including cross Glasgow connections	March 08
		Provide advice to Ministers on future policy direction, including rail fares, demand management on trunk road network and future strategic direction for rail industry in Scotland	Ongoing to March 08
Ensure that Scottish Ministers rail priorities are implemented in ORR periodic review process and development of GB wide policy areas and legislation	Agreed Ministerial priorities reflected in both Network Rail Strategic Business Plan for CP4 and GB wide legislation	Publication of Initial HLOS and the Statement of Funds Available (SOFA) in line with ORR periodic review process	July 07
		Responses to ORR consultation on periodic review within specified deadlines	Ongoing to March 08
		Access for all consult and develop proposals for improvements in accessibility for remainder of current control period and 2009-14	March 08
		Engage with DfT on reserved issues responding to consultations and providing guidance on Scottish requirements, work with the rail industry on the development of GB wide sustainable development policies	Ongoing to March 08
Develop tools to inform/ assess current and future investment decisions	User acceptance measured by customer feedback (both internally and externally)	SCOT-TAG to be re-launched (Including STAG refresh)	July 07
		Issue TMfS 05a and continue work on TMfS 07	September 07
		Develop and implement an analytical strategy for transport-related research	March 08
		Provision of quality and timely advice to investment decision makers both within agency and externally	Ongoing to March 08
Deliver the Strategic Transport Projects Review to inform next 10 year transport investment plan in summer 2008	Delivery of reports at conclusion of each task	Prepare a report of gaps and shortfalls in transport network	June 07
		Agree with Ministers the high level expectations for the strategic transport networks	November 07
		Continue STAG process to deliver options for detailed appraisal in final report	March 08

AIM FIVE

Strive towards excellence by building our working principles into everything we deliver; and into how we work as an organisation.

Our final corporate Aim underpins all our other business activities. Transport Scotland as a public body is responsible for ensuring it delivers in line with the principles of Efficient Government and best value to make best use of taxpayers’ money. These principles apply not only to what we deliver externally – transport services and projects – but also to how we work internally.

We will operate clear internal control systems to ensure consistent, fit-for-purpose processes for project management, procurement, resource management and business systems including information systems. We will seek continuously to improve these processes, which are themselves overarched by a robust corporate governance framework. The Management Board will be chaired by the Chief Executive and comprise five departmental Directors and two non-executive Directors. The non-executive Directors will play a key role in the ongoing organisational development of Transport Scotland and its internal governance.

In delivering our external targets, we will be transparent and accountable in monitoring, documenting and reporting on how resources are deployed. As an executive agency, we are required to submit and an Annual Report and Accounts to the Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Climate Change for presentation to the Scottish Parliament.

Being an efficient and effective organisation is not only about prudent stewardship of public money. During 2007/08 we will develop an organisation-wide quality management framework, building on existing monitoring and management processes for our delivery functions together with internal measures to ‘health check’ our overall efficiency and effectiveness. An example is Workforce Planning, to ensure that we recruit, retain and develop the professional, technical and wider skills required for Transport Scotland to deliver excellence in all that it does.

One of our key Working Principles is to make the most efficient use of public resources and equip our staff to do the best possible job. In 2007/08, we will introduce a Skills Management Programme and a Graduate Training Scheme, to maximise and grow the professional skills of Transport Scotland staff in line with the Professional Skills for Government ethos.

TARGET	MEASURE	TASK	DELIVER BY
We will 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	Ensure mainstream policy initiatives and programmes take account of the views of representative groups	All policy teams to use equality impact assessment tools as part of policy proofing stage and hold regular meetings of the Scottish Rail Accessibility Forum and the Roads for All Forum	Ongoing to March 08
	Work in partnership with other transport providers and wider government in our planning and delivery	Work with Passenger Focus and other representative groups to ensure their views are taken into account in developing and delivering transport policy	Ongoing to March 08
		Engage with regional transport partnerships in developing regional transport strategies	Ongoing to March 08
		Work closely with Scottish Government colleagues in overseeing implementation of NTS	March 08
Develop, implement and evaluate a Communications Plan for Transport Scotland, to ensure external and internal messages are clearly and effectively conveyed	Staff survey results and market research	Respond to staff survey results by developing and implementing a 2007/08 internal and external Communications Plan	Ongoing to March 08
	Number of visits to Transport Scotland Website	Enhance and regularly evaluate use and accessibility of the Transport Scotland website	Ongoing to March 08
Valuing diversity, we will manage and develop our staff through effective leadership and the right Human Resources policies	Our people recruited, developed and managed efficiently and effectively in line with business needs	Implement a Transport Scotland Skills Management Programme following receipt of Training Needs Analysis	November 07
		Develop a Graduate Training Scheme for technical staff and recruit up to 4 graduates	September 07
		Recruit appropriate people to meet business needs	March 08
		People information analysed & benchmarked against Core Scottish Government and further develop these to improve business effectiveness	December 07
Build and develop Transport Scotland to reflect our commitment to equality and diversity	Staff survey results	Develop a programme to ensure all staff are trained in disability equality, diversity and other business needs and priorities	February 08
Enhance the operational efficiency and effectiveness of Transport Scotland in its head office in Buchanan House, Glasgow	Deliver excellent services in a safe, healthy and sustainable manner	Develop and implement a Transport Scotland Travel Plan that will reduce emissions, measured through carbon emissions footprint	May 07
		Provide advice, guidance and draft responses to official correspondence and Parliamentary Questions within centrally determined deadlines and respond to Freedom of Information requests and appeals within statutory deadlines	Ongoing to March 08
		Ensure a healthy and safe work environment through continual improvement of our H&S management system contained within besafe.org.uk	Ongoing to March 08
Optimise ease of use of public transport and promote transport integration	Establish a new Integrated Ticketing Strategy for Scotland	Published a consultation on an integrated ticketing strategy for Scotland	December 07
Document and report on the management of our finances and other resources	Annual Report and Accounts completed and submitted in line with the requirements of the Public Finance and Accountability (Scotland) Act 2000 and the Transport Scotland Framework Document	2006/07 Unqualified Audited Accounts submitted to Transport Minister and laid before Parliament and publication of an annual report of performance against objectives and targets	September 07
	Adopt robust strategic financial management procedures	Manage and monitor the Agency’s budget, performance and plans using management tools that provide intelligent advice and guidance	September 07
	Adopt robust strategic financial management procedures	Prepare robust evidence and actively engage in 2007 Strategic Spending Review	September 07
	Develop and implement a Quality Management regime, measuring what we achieve through Annual Business Reviews	Develop a plan to implement an organisation-wide Performance Framework and monitoring processes (e.g. EFQM, ISO9001)	January 08
Review and improve our business processes where required to ensure Transport Scotland continuously improves how it delivers	Internal and external assurance	Implement an Information Systems Strategy, an enhanced Business Continuity Plan and an enhanced Disaster Recovery and Risk Management system	September 07
	Improved financial control through the development of appropriate Key Performance Indicators which are regularly monitored and reviewed by management	Monitor regularly risks, forecasts, variances, payment performance and non-financial KPIs	Ongoing to March 08
Apply best value principles to ensure business processes achieve continuous improvement	Procurement of all projects carried out in line with Scottish Government Procurement Manual and best practice	Review and implement standardised procurement procedures for all major infrastructure projects, to make best use of specialist procurement expertise	April 07