New transport body planned

Mr Stephen says better services are needed

Proposals for a new unitary transport body to upgrade and improve the system in Scotland have been unveiled.

Transport Minister Nicol Stephen has launched a consultation process on plans for the creation of Transport Scotland.

He said the new agency would oversee investment, monitor network improvements and liaise with local authorities.

There is no new money and no new powers Kenny MacAskill SNP transport spokesman

Transport Scotland would be responsible for annual spending of £1bn by 2006 and Mr Stephen expressed confidence in its success.

It would be tasked with overseeing improved rail links to Edinburgh and Glasgow airports and the western Aberdeen road network, among other projects.

Mr Stephen said: ""The focus of the new agency will be to make certain we deliver.

"After decades of under investment, we now have the resources in place to make a real difference to the quality of transport in Scotland.

"The people of Scotland deserve a high quality transport network. People are at the centre of our transport vision."

But the Scottish National Party said the agency would only create more bureaucracy.

The future of SPT is in doubt

SNP transport spokesman Kenny MacAskill said the agency was a good idea in principle, but without proper funding it would not be effective.

He said: "There is no new money and no new powers.

"Until such times as we have additional funding to be able to do the projects and until we have control over the rail network in Scotland, then I don't think the body, no matter how well intentioned, is going to be capable of delivering what we want."

Labour MSP Bristow Muldoon, who is also the convenor of Holyrood's transport committee, said the agency should be given the chance to prove its worth.

He said the agency would try to improve public transport across Scotland and compliment local authorities.

Tory transport spokesman David Mundell said the agency had "all the hallmarks of another costly quango".

He said: "It will be another body to reinvent the wheel, and it will waste years doing it."

'Expertise and vision'

The proposals have cast doubt over the future of Strathclyde Passenger Transport (SPT), which delivers bus, underground and train services to nearly half of Scotland's population and is controlled by 12 local authorities

Members of the authority were out in force in North Queensferry to hear the minister launch the consultation document - Scotland's Transport: Partnership for Progress

Councillor Alistair Watson, chair of SPT, said it wanted the chance to continue with its projects irrespective of the new agency.

He said: "In our minds the case is clear. Here in west central Scotland we have the organisation in place, the expertise and the vision.

"Instead of massive and expensive reorganisation we will be calling for a revamped SPT with the powers and money to get on with delivering better public transport for the local communities that we serve."