'Fares will have a major impact on its success'

BORDERS RAIL LINK

IF, as expected, the Government gives the go-ahead for the re-opening of the Waverley Line on Wednesday, the news will be greeted by the people of Midlothian and the Borders more warmly than approval for the tram system was in Edinburgh.

While the new SNP government has been relatively quick to approve major transport improvements like the trams, a new crossing over the Forth and the controversial M74 extension, it is understandable that the Waverley Line has had to take its place in the queue.

From the outset, there have been questions over the line's viability due to spiralling costs. The likelihood of a funding gap led to the whole project being temporarily derailed last summer when a review was ordered.

But, having re-examined the entire business case for a second time, Transport Minister Stewart Stevenson is now apparently convinced of its viability although the delay means the earliest that the line will re open has now been put back to 2012.

But perhaps having learned lessons from the soaring expense of the Bathgate to Airdrie line, the Government has made it clear that it will contribute just £154 million to the project.

Developer contributions and local authorities are now expected to make up the £21m shortfall from their own pockets, including £2m from Edinburgh.

Most experts seem satisfied that it is commercially viable from Gorebridge to the city centre and in anticipation of it re-opening 50 years after it fell victim to the Beeching cuts, developers have been queuing up to build in Midlothian, where a housing boom is expected.

But there are still doubts that extending the line from Gorebridge to Galashiels represents true value for money and whether the demand for services outwith the rush hour will be great enough to justify the cost. With journey times expected to take over an hour, fare pricing will have a major impact on its success.

Certainly it will provide a welcome alternative for commuters forced each day to drive up the winding A7 and then negotiate the notorious Sheriffhall roundabout bottleneck on their way into town.

In the holiday season, the Borders region itself should benefit economically, with tourists able to take advantage of the improved link to gain easier access to the area from Edinburgh than they can at present.

There will be none happier with the decision than the SNP's South of Scotland MSP Christine Graeme. Had the Government blocked the scheme, it would have put her in a difficult position, given that the initial impetus came from the Liberal Democrats who enjoy strong traditional support in the area.