Annual 18-Report 19 Annual Report 2018-19

Contents

03 Foreword 06 Introduction 08 Partnership Board 10 SEStran: What We Do 11 Regional Transport Strategy (RTS) Monitoring 12 Formal Partnership Meetings and Forums 13 Changing Travel Behaviour 19 What We Do 29 Consultation Responses 31 European Projects 35 More Updates Other Programs and Policies 37 Appendix: Annual Accounts and Reports 38 Contact Information

2 Annual Report 2018- 19 Foreword

Key highlights include several successful accessible transport system, helping applications to competitive funding deliver a healthier, fairer and more rounds, attracting funding awards prosperous for communities, totalling (£770,000). businesses and visitors. Existing projects have had a successful SEStran’s Regional Transport Strategy year, from the expansion of Go e-Bike (RTS) is closely aligned to the NTS and into The , , through our own consultative processes East and - this we will ensure it continues to provide remains the only regional E-bike sharing a fit for purpose strategy for the south- scheme in Scotland. east Scotland region. My role, as the Closer to home, the Scottish Regional Transport Partnerships’ (RTPs) representative on the Strategy Review I am delighted to introduce Government’s review of the National Transport Strategy (NTS) continued Board has also continued and I am SEStran’s Annual Report throughout 2018/19 and the first draft pleased to have been able to contribute for 2018/19. It has been a of the new NTS has now been released to the review at that level. successful and busy year for consultation. The NTS sets out the As part of the review, a Roles & for SEStran, right across policies that Scottish Government and Responsibilities Working Group, its stakeholders will pursue over the next including RTP representation, was the breadth of the twenty years to ensure that Scotland’s established and charged with making organisation’s activities. transport system delivers on four priority recommendations for future transport themes: promoting equality, protecting governance. Their report promoted our climate, helping our economy the merits of some form of regional prosper and improving our health and governance, bringing together land wellbeing, and to support the vision: use planning, economic development To have a sustainable, inclusive and and transport which the RTPs have

3 Annual Report 2018- 19

Foreword Cont’d

consistently maintained is an European funding for demonstration Significantly increased further work was approach that is most likely to result and research projects trialling new delivered in association with Sustrans in a successful sustainable transport mobility approaches. These awards Scotland in developing new cycle strategy. This report is currently ensure SEStran remain at the heart of schemes at various locations, including being considered by the Scottish important developments for mobility. the Edinburgh Bioquarter, The Wisp to Government. SEStran achieved both an extension Sheriffhall, Winchburgh to KIrkliston and Following successful bids to the to our Share-North project, looking Kirkaldy to Buckhaven. Government’s Low Carbon Travel & at the introduction of “Mobi-hubs” to Further active travel schemes at the Transport (LCTT) and the Scottish create facilities for ride share using low- A701 in Midlothian, an innovative design Enterprise “Can-do” funds of £300,000 emission vehicles, including active travel approach (“LYDAR”) at Musselburgh and £150,000, respectively, work options and success as a partner in a and Tranent and Larbert to Stirling was taken forward in delivering more new project called BLING (Blockchain (In partnership with our fellow RTP, electric bike facilities at Innerleithen, in Government). In partnership with Tactran) were also progressed with Edinburgh, Musselburgh Eskbank and Edinburgh University, SEStran is grant funding from Transport Scotland’s Dalkeith and in options to expand the exploring the use of this technology for Active Travel team. smart contracts in shared-use transport scope of the Thistle Assistance Card. Of concern to all of us involved in The latter is seeking input from the and freight delivery. These awards ensure SEStran remain at the heart of transport in Scotland, particularly best entrepreneurial and technological those with a responsibility for rural expertise to develop journey planning important testing and demonstration projects looking at future mobility, areas, as I am, is the very evident facilities to be added to the Thistle decline in bus patronage, throughout Card App for those with disabilities. trialling approaches across the SEStran area. SEStran is currently a partner in the whole country. In order to at least Despite the ever-present mist of Brexit, six European projects that contribute initiate a process to try to reverse that during 2018/19, SEStran won bids for to the work that SEStran undertakes trend, SEStran held a “Bus Congress” in the region. in February 2019; bringing together

4 Annual Report 2018- 19

Foreword Cont’d

politicians, bus operators, academics, We have also seen very encouraging Very much in everyone’s mind now is Traveline and other stakeholders. engagement with our stakeholders the re-write of the Regional Transport Several presentations were given at through our forums; Integrated Mobility, Strategy. This is a fundamental duty this very well attended event and I look Freight and Equalities & Access to of SEStran and will be a main focus of forward to progress on this topic in Healthcare. the organisation for the next couple of future. However, the aforementioned Our officials re-introduced a “Rail years with an opportunity for significant NTS review along with the Transport Bill Quarterly” with representation from input from all our partners. currently going through parliament and Transport Scotland, Network Rail and We all look forward to the the current Strategic Transport Projects Franchise Operators which is also challenges ahead. Review (STPR 2) will all have a bearing proving to be a valuable engagement. on how this topic develops in future. Both myself and the Partnership Director Our refreshed Partnership Board is now Cllr Gordon Edgar Chair continued to represent the RTPs on the August 2019 well established and, at each quarterly East Coast Mainline Association (ECMA) Board meeting we have managed to which seeks continued investment in the include a presentation on a transport east coast main railway line and has an subject which has been the catalyst for eye to the future on High Speed Rail for a range of enthusiastic and constructive this side of the country and this body is 0131 524 5150 discussion among members which has now making itself heard in both UK and @SEStran helped to guide and inform our work Scottish Government circles. programme. I would like to express my thanks to the members of the Board for their valuable contribution over the past year.

5 Annual Report 2018- 19 Introduction

About Us Aims Target SEStran is the statutory Regional • Allowing all groups in society to “By 2022, to reduce the percentage Transport Partnership for the South share in the region’s success through of people commuting to Edinburgh by East of Scotland. We are one of seven high quality access to services and single occupant car from each local Regional Transport Partnerships opportunities including healthcare, authority area in South East Scotland in Scotland established under the education, public services and by 10% compared to a 2001 base. For Transport (Scotland) Act 2005. SEStran employment opportunities Edinburgh residents working out with encompasses eight local authorities. • Reducing the number of commuter the City Council area, to reduce their journeys by single occupancy vehicles reliance on the single occupant car SEStran’s Vision: within South East Scotland for commuting by 10% also over the same period.” “A regional transport • Maximising public transport provision and achieving public transport system that provides integration and intermodality all citizens of South • Improving safety for all road and East Scotland with transport users a genuine choice of • Enhancing community life and social transport which fulfils inclusion • Maintaining existing infrastructure to their needs and provides a standard that ensures that it can be travel opportunities for fully utilised work and leisure on a • Enhancing movement of freight, sustainable basis.” especially by rail and other non-road modes

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Introduction Cont’d

SEStran has a core staff Local Authority Partners Partnership Board of nine, and one Cycling City of Edinburgh, , The board consists of 20 elected Scotland embedded , Falkirk, , Midlothian, members from the partnership local Scottish Borders and . authorities and nine appointed non- officer, as of April 2019: councillor members. The Partnership Headquarters • Business Support Assistant, Board meet quarterly. Cheryl Fergie SEStran’s operational and administrative premises are based in Edinburgh at • Business Manager, Victoria Quay. Angela Chambers • Business Support Officer, Hannah Markley • Partnership Director, Jim Grieve • Head of Programmes, Vacant • Programmes Manager, Keith Fisken • Strategy Manager, Jim Stewart • Project Officer, Julie Vinders • Cycling Scotland Officer Beth Harley-Jepson • Active Travel Officer, Peter Jackson

7 Annual Report 2018- 19 Partnership Board As of 31 March 2019

Chair Deputy Chair Deputy Chair Cllr Karen Doran Cllr Nick Cook Cllr Brian Small Cllr Gordon Edgar Cllr Colin Davidson Cllr Lesley Macinnes City of Edinburgh City of Edinburgh until 6 March 2019 Scottish Borders Fife City of Edinburgh Labour Conservative East Lothian Independent Labour SNP Conservative

Cllr Donald Balsillie Cllr Mike Watson Cllr David Key Cllr Chas Booth Cllr Norman Hampshire Cllr Laura Murtagh Clackmannanshire Clackmannanshire City of Edinburgh City of Edinburgh East Lothian Falkirk SNP Conservative SNP Scottish Green Party Labour SNP

8 Annual Report 2018- 19

Partnership Board Cont’d

Non-Councillor Board Members Paul White Simon Hindshaw Vivienne Gray Callum Hay Richard Llewellyn Laura Alexander Catherine Thomson Cllr Fiona Collie Cllr Dave Dempsey Cllr Peter Smaill Cllr Cathy Muldoon Doreen Steele Falkirk Fife Midlothian West Lothian Barry Turner SNP Conservative Conservative Labour

Cllr Ian Ferguson Cllr Russell Imrie Cllr James Fullarton Cllr Chris Horne Fife Midlothian Scottish Borders West Lothian SNP Labour Conservative Conservative

9 Annual Report 2018- 19 SEStran: What We Do

SEStran participates We have highlighted the relationship between our work and our strategic in a diverse range of objectives, as well as the key priorities, with the following icons. transport projects and events on a Objectives Priorities local, national and Economy – to ensure transport facilitates international scale. Bus economic growth, regional prosperity and vitality All our work is focused in a sustainable manner on delivering against Accessibility – to improve accessibility for those Train our core strategic with limited transport choice (including those objective areas. with mobility difficulties) or no access to a car, particularly those living in rural areas Active Travel

Environment – to ensure that development is achieved in an environmentally sustainable manner Car Share

Safety and Health – to promote a healthier and more active SEStran area population £ Economy Corporate – to continually improve performance to achieve greater efficiency and effectiveness in SEStran service delivery

10 Annual Report 2018- 19 Regional Transport Strategy (RTS) Monitoring

SEStran’s original Regional Regional Transport Strategy 2 Transport Strategy (RTS) was It was agreed at the March 2019 SEStran approved in March 2007 and Partnership Board that SEStran would covered the period from 2008 develop a ‘main issues’ report to inform until 2015. The strategy was the development of the next Regional subject to a refresh in August Transport Strategy (RTS) this work will 2015 and now covers the period begin from April 2019. from then until 2025. The RTS 2015 represents an update of the RTS 2008, rather than a new strategy. The vision, objectives and policy framework of the strategy remain unchanged and the various chapters have been revised only where necessary, in order to take account of the most recent data and information, as well as the more detailed strategy development that SEStran has undertaken since 2008. The substance of the strategy and suggested interventions remain unchanged in 2018/19.

11 Annual Report 2018- 19 Formal Partnership Meetings and Forums

The Partnership Board met quarterly for interested parties to come together and distribution solutions. This will be over the reporting period and in and to provide a regional voice in various carried out via constructive partnership addition to dealing with standard transport-related matters. The forums are between local authorities, government business, officers have introduced a a mechanism for consulting with regional agencies, business and representative presentation/discussion item for each stakeholders in addition to those groups. The forum will provide a meeting. Topics have included active represented by members and advisors unified, regional voice in working travel, bus travel, rail updates from around the board table of SEStran. with organisations such as Transport ScotRail and Transport Scotland and The Integrated Mobility Forum seeks Scotland, Network Rail and ports, and Edinburgh City Centre Transformation. opportunities to improve integrated aims to have a balanced range of views These have generated valuable mobility across the region and provide a which represents the interests of those discussion from a regional perspective consultative role to Transport Scotland in involved. and have gone on to provide input into the context of Integrated Mobility, Travel Finally, the SEStran Equalities Forum our forum groups. Planning and seeking funding to support and Access to Healthcare Forum is the SEStran’s quarterly Performance and future opportunities. The forum also aims primary stakeholder and officer group, Audit committee and Chief Officers to promote public transport and access chaired by the Partnership Director, meetings were held prior to each to transport interchanges, as well as to deliver our Equality Outcomes and Partnership Board meeting, and helped reducing single occupancy car journeys. legislative requirement to consult shape the business of the Board. The Logistics and Freight Forum aims Health Boards and those who represent SEStran hosts three different forums to support economic growth and those with, or share a protected which are all held twice a year. The aim resilience across the South East of characteristic. of these forums is to provide a platform Scotland by developing, promoting and implementing sustainable business

12 Annual Report 2018- 19

Changing Travel Behaviour

in Brussels in February 2019, as part of the Tripshare SHARE-North project. Tripshare SEStran Thistle Assistance Programme is recognised in the SHARE-North project as a viable alternative to the private Particularly where active travel or car and key element of shared mobility. In 2018/19 SEStran undertook further public transport is not viable, car- The platform contributes to reducing work with transport providers, older sharing offers a sustainable solution the number of cars on the roads, which and disabled people and our Equalities for commuters in an attempt to reduce remains a high priority for SEStran. Forum, to better understand the the number of single occupancy cars problems and worries faced by many on the road. During the financial year when using public transport with the 2018/19, Tripshare SEStran gained aim of developing and expanding the 482 new members, bringing the total Thistle Assistance Programme. membership up to 8,675 at the end of This work was supported by the March 2019. Thistle Assistance Programme being Tripshare SEStran was promoted to acknowledged in Transport Scotland the general public, particularly during ‘Going Further: Scotland’s Accessible National Liftshare week from 24th Travel Framework’ for being at the September to 14th October, during forefront of providing ‘good assistance’ which new and existing members by recognising and supporting the had a chance of winning an annual needs of disabled people and ensuring cinema pass. transport staff understand their needs. The Tripshare SEStran platform was presented at the ‘Carpool Addict’ event

13 Annual Report 2018- 19

Changing Travel Behaviour

SEStran continues working in SEStran in December 2018 was successful We continue working with key partnership with government, with a £30,000 bid to Transport Transport Providers (ScotRail, Lothian transport providers, disability groups Scotland’s Accessible Travel Fund. Buses/Trams, Stagecoach, First East and citizens to encourage the SEStran will be using the funding to Buses) Transport Scotland and other promotion of the Thistle Assistance develop increased awareness of the stakeholders to explore how the new programme throughout Scotland by Thistle Assistance programme through Thistle Assistance approach can be increasing awareness of the programme the development of a standalone integrated into their existing processes and providing training tools for website and promotional campaign to improve awareness of the issues transport providers. building on the past work undertaken by faced by customers, how to spot them In March 2018 SEStran applied for SEStran. and then how to engage and help. funding from the Scottish Enterprise The key objectives for the Website Can Do innovation fund to develop the Thistle Assistance Journey Planner – and Awareness Campaign are: door to door journey information for • to give easy access to all information people that have difficulty using about the Thistle Assistance public transport. Programme. The project seeks to identify and • promote the programme benefits understand in detail the barriers • explain who is eligible faced by commuters with protected characteristics when travelling and • explain how people can request the journey planning. Five developers were card and download the App successful in applying for the £150,000 • provide information on other ways to funding available and are working on get involved in the project the first stage of the project which is due to finish in October 2019.

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Changing Travel Behaviour

Hate Crime Charter The next steps for the working group will be to implement the Charter in £ collaboration with operators ensuring it is tailored to be fit for purpose with SEStran is involved in a working group the ultimate aim to reduce hate crime with Disability Equality Scotland, Police on public transport. Scotland and Transport Scotland to develop a Hate Crime Charter for public transport as a key outcome of Transport Disability Scotland’s Accessible Travel Framework. Equality The Charter is for transport operators Scotland to sign up to, pledging their commitment to tackling hate crime. The aim of the working group is to trial the Charter first on a regional basis, with the aim of rolling it out nationally. Between June and December 2018, three consultation events were held in Fife, Clackmannanshire and West Lothian. Various representatives from equalities groups, local authorities, and transport operators attended the events. The findings from these three events were put into a draft Charter.

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Changing Travel Behaviour

Real Time Passenger Galashiels Interchange. SEStran will be able to implement this solution at key Information (RTPI) sites, subject to funding availability, until the new CMS is operational. The promotion of the digital screens displaying RTPI continued throughout SEStran is partnering with the City the year with several new sites across of Edinburgh Council (leading) on the region using the screens. the development of a new Content Management System (CMS) for regional RTPI delivery. The procurement process started with the work out for tender with the City of Edinburgh Council managing the tender process. Depending on the award process and new contractor, it is hoped that the new CMS will be in place in 2019/20. Using Traveline data via a website set up, SEStran has been able to improve the quality and the reliability of information delivered via the screen network outside of the Lothian Bus network with a successful test at the

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Changing Travel Behaviour

GO e-Bike

SEStran launched GO e-Bike in April 2017 with the aim of increasing usage and awareness of power-assisted cycling across the South East of Scotland and beyond. The launch projects continue in St. Andrews, Buckhaven, West Lothian, and the ‘Try a GO e-Bike Roadshow’. It was great to see people engaging with the project and at time of writing a total of just over 1000 trips have been made over the year. active travel hubs across the region. travel’. SEStran is helping to deliver on The hubs will be set up in Granton this vision as GO e-Bike expands and GO e-Bike aims to promote a healthier (Edinburgh), Innerleithen (Scottish promotes the benefits to communities more active population, reduce Borders), and a series of connected hubs throughout the region. inequalities in our communities and in Dalkeith, Eskbank, and Musselburgh. improve our environment. In order to enhance this aim, SEStran successfully The Scottish Government is ‘stepping up bid for £300,000 from the Round 2 Low promotion of the use of electric bicycles, Carbon Travel and Transport funding including financial support to ensure from Transport Scotland, to create many people can benefit from active

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Changing Travel Behaviour

learn the skills of bike maintenance, Re-CYCLEd Signs metalworking, creating artworks, and the process of design. The project promotes awareness of Re-CYCLEd Signs engages with children the active travel routes in the SEStran from schools in the SEStran region to region, creating even more accessible design and build imaginative, vibrant active travel opportunities for citizens signs for existing walking and cycle and developing unique artwork which routes. will enhance our communities. This is designed to involve young The first four signs are located at Falkirk people, and their families, in cycling High, Falkirk Grahamston and Eskbank and walking as an enjoyable healthy Stations and at Jarnac Court in Dalkeith choice, not just a fun activity, but also highlighting the active travel links and as a safe option for travelling to school encouraging the use of active travel as a or to clubs. means of inter-modal connectivity to rail. SEStran has been working with SEStran received £5,000 grant funding BikePunks, a community project based from the ScotRail Cycle Fund to help in the Scottish Borders which promotes with the project and in 2019/20 will be the upcycling of bike parts which looking to place more ReCYCLEd Signs are donated by the local community. at key locations in the region. Through youth work, they actively encourage young people to come and

18 Annual Report 2018- 19 What We Do Active Travel Projects 2018/19

The Regional Cycle Network Grant In 2018 the Regional Transport developed by Trivector Traffic AB. The Scheme continues the partnership Partnerships lobbied for further funding aim of the project was to gather data on between Sustrans Scotland and and gained the Regional Active Travel travel behaviours using smart phones as SEStran’s commitment to delivering Development Fund from Transport individuals make journeys and describe improvements to the cross- Scotland to facilitate projects promoting the purpose or destinations. The boundary utility routes. sustainable cross boundary travel. project began in March 2019 and will SEStran proposed three projects, a be completed in summer 2019. Expanding on a previous application feasibility study of sustainable transport in 2016/17, funding was granted to prioritisation and improvements on the Edinburgh BioQuarter partners to the A701 in Midlothian; a feasibility and progress detailed design on an active concept design study for a cycling travel corridor from Cameron Toll to the route between Larbert and Stirling in BioQuarter. partnership with Tactran; and developing SEStran secured further funding detailed designs for Musselburgh, for feasibility studies from Sustrans Tranent, and North Berwick using 3D Community Links funding. Three video models. These projects were due studies investigated strategic links in for completion in summer 2019. the region: Winchburgh to Kirkliston, SEStran was successful in a bid to connecting West Lothian to Edinburgh the Smarter Choices Smarter Places Airport; Sheriffhall to the Wisp, Open Fund in November 2018 and was enhancing upon work at the BioQuarter, awarded £13,650 in match funding into Midlothian; and Kirkcaldy to to collect travel data in and around Buckhaven, connecting communities in Edinburgh through the TravelVU app Fife in areas of multiple deprivation.

19 Annual Report 2018- 19 What We Do Electric Vehicle & Mobility Strategy £ In addition to the re-write of the Regional Transport Strategy, SEStran has started working towards the development of an Electric Vehicle Strategy for the South East of Scotland. The strategy will be an integral part of the new RTS and will aim to address the barriers to EV uptake and the challenges faced by local authorities when implementing EV infrastructure. Not only will the EV strategy focus on electric vehicles, but on electric mobility in general, covering e-bikes and e-cargo bikes as well, incorporating the learnings from SEStran’s projects including GO e-Bike, REGIO MOB and SURFLOGH.

20 AnnualAnnual ReportReport2018-18- 19 What We Do TravelKnowHow Scotland £ TravelKnowHow Usage figures in 2018/19 In 2018/19 SEStran continued to support TravelKnowHow Scotland. TravelKnowHow is an online Of the 55 new resource which offers organisations registrations across Scotland easy access to a wide variety of tools to implement workplace Travel Plans and reduce 55 the negative impact of single new registrations during occupancy car journeys. the 2018/19 period 27%were from the SEStran Region Supported by Scotland’s seven Regional Transport Partnerships and funded by Transport Scotland. TravelKnowHow Scotland supports and contributes directly to the Scottish Government’s Of the total Low Carbon Scotland ambition for registrations: decarbonising transport. 23.1% from the private sector 76.9% from 272 the public total registrations sector as at end of March 2019

21 Annual Report 2018- 19 What We Do Working in Partnership with Cycling Scotland

SEStran’s Regional Cycle Training training to support delivery. Following and Development Officer (RCTDO) on from this conference and the annual continued to support Bikeability coordinators meeting held in Glasgow, Local Authority Co-ordinators a new SEStran coordinators meeting has over this year. been set-up to improve collaboration and sharing of knowledge and resources The results from the last academic at a regional level. This meeting will be year had shown an increase in held on a quarterly basis. In addition, an schools delivering cycle training online platform was set-up to support and more pupils than ever taking coordinators to collaborate at a national part. Strong progress was seen in level. Clackmannanshire, where a pilot for A new Bikeability Scotland strategy was paid professional delivery was used. developed for a more flexible approach They achieved delivery of Level 2 on- to delivery and to better support road cycle training in 100% of their volunteers this will be further developed schools. through 2019 and pilot projects will be In March 2019 a Bikeability volunteer implemented. conference was held in Edinburgh for The RCTDO attended networking the East of Scotland where coordinators and conference events promoting shared best practice and participated the programmes of SEStran and in professional development and Cycling Scotland.

22 Annual Report 2018- 19 What We Do TweedLove Bike Festival

In June 2018, SEStran supported the ‘TweedLove Bike Festival’, and in particular the Family Ride, which has become a local legend in the area after yet another successful year. GO e-Bike was present in the festival village displaying e-bikes for the public to trial with activities for children and adults alike. Community partners were on hand to demonstrate and promote the benefits and accessibility that e-bikes bring to personal mobility.

23 Annual Report 2018- 19 What We Do The GO e-Bike Family Ride - TweedLove 2018

Rolling into Peebles for another year in June, the GO e-Bike Family Ride event returned. SEStran was proud to be back sponsoring Tweedlove for 2018, as inclusive events like the Family Ride make cycling accessible to people of all ages and abilities. The ride encourages families and friends to get together and cycle in a relaxed environment for a car free pedal through Peebles. The event adopted a new format with a led ride around the town that was open for anyone to come along and have a go at their own pace, finishing at a town park for an open- air cinema showing. As well as being The Tweedlove Bike Festival, based in lots of fun, the event helps to deliver the Scottish Borders, runs from May SEStran’s aims to enable and support to September each year. For more more people to travel actively in their information about the festival, own communities, to promote social visit www.tweedlove.com inclusion and enhance community life.

24 Annual Report 2018- 19 What We Do Regional Rail Liaison Meeting

In February 2018 SEStran along with Transport Scotland, Network Rail and ScotRail convened the first quarterly South East Scotland Regional Rail liaison meeting. The meeting had an agenda centred on the key rail issues within the SEStran region. The meeting was an opportunity to share information with key stakeholders to better understand problems, identify challenges and opportunities, and improve the delivery of rail services across the South East of Scotland.

25 Annual Report 2018- 19 What We Do East Coast Mainline Authorities (ECMA) £

ECMA and its secretariat are now well established. Both SEStran’s Chair and Partnership Director are currently representing the Regional Transport Partnerships (Tactran, Nestrans & Hitrans) with an interest in the east coast mainline as ECMA Vice Chair and Officer Group representative, respectively. A study to illustrate the economic benefits of the line to the entire UK was carried out in 2016. A further piece of work to update that study was initiated in 2018/19. When complete, the findings will be used to inform a range of lobbying initiatives aimed at both the UK and Scottish Governments to try to ensure that the necessary investment on this essential piece of national infrastructure is made.

26 Annual Report 2018- 19 What We Do Improving Rail Infrastructure £

Local Rail Development Fund submitted to Transport Scotland (TS) for more sustainable travel options will review. Further work will be undertaken make it easier for people to reach As part of the Programme for in 2019 to develop a detailed case for hospitals, schools and visit other areas Government Transport Scotland change and outline business case. of the country as well as giving better launched the Local Rail Development access to Levenmouth. Fund (LRDF), with £2,000,000 made Levenmouth Rail Link Note: At time of publication the available to fund projects that will Sustainable Transport Study was enhance Scotland’s rail connectivity. SEStran continues to support the completed by Peter Brett Associates The LRDF aligns with Scottish Sustainable Transport Study work being with a report going to Scottish Government’s Rail Enhancement and undertaken by Transport Scotland on the Government for consideration. Capital Investment Strategy. re-opening of the rail link. The detailed Following this assessment of transport appraisal work that has been carried In June 2018 SEStran & Fife Council links in the area, the Cabinet Secretary out suggests that improved transport supported a successful bid from the for Transport, Infrastructure and links, which give Leven a direct rail link Newburgh Train Station Group for Connectivity announced in August to the capital, will lead to an enhanced the first phase of funding. £82,000 2019 that the reopening of the link to local economy, bringing better access (exc. VAT) was secured to undertake Levenmouth and the rail network is to to employment and education and the a multi-model transport appraisal be taken forward to the next stage of potential for new investment. Parts in the Newburgh area with SYSTRA development alongside new bus and of the Levenmouth area are currently appointed to undertake the work in active travel provision. ranked amongst the most deprived in December 2018. Phase 1 – the Initial Scotland (Scottish Index of Multiple www.transport.gov.scot/news/levenmouth-on- Case for Change was due to be track-for-rail-investment Deprivation - SIMD 2016). Easier and completed in April 2019 with a report

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“The ongoing success in building towards reinstating this vital rail link is the product of many years of work. The past and present involvement from SEStran in developing the case for the has been central to its success.”

Councillor Colin Davidson, Deputy Chair, SEStran Councillor for Leven, Kennoway and Largo

28 Annual Report 2018- 19

Consultation Responses

SEStran contributes every year to consultations at a local, regional and national level on a wide-ranging series of transport related topics.

Borders Transport Corridors – • Highlight where the study has Falkirk Local Development Plan 2 identified the need for further Pre-Appraisal Report investigation; In September 2018, SEStran received Falkirk’s proposed Local Development In May 2018 SEStran submitted a • Recommend transport options Plan 2 (LDP2). The LDP2 sets out a broad response to a study that considered which could be subjected to vision and strategy for the area for the the accessibility for Scottish Borders more detailed appraisal. communities and settlements whilst 20-year period from 2020 to 2040. The exploring areas where improvements Proposed Plan provided a detailed and could be made. The appraisal, by the Transport (Scotland) Bill comprehensive overview of development nature of the STAG process, is multi- In September 2018 SEStran responded to planning in the Falkirk area. SEStran’s modal and considers public transport, the Transport (Scotland) Bill introduced comments were supportive in nature, road, rail and active travel on key in the Scottish Parliament on 8 June 2018. and it is hoped that the suggestions will transport corridors. The Bill addresses a number of Scottish add to the contents of the LDP2. The specific aims of the study were to: Government commitments from the 2017-18 Programme for Government. • Identify cross modal problems and The Bill aims to empower Local opportunities within the transport Authorities and enable them to provision between the Scottish implement future commitments as set Borders and key markets (Edinburgh, out in the Programme for Government. Newcastle and Carlisle);

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Consultation Responses Cont’d

Scottish Law Commission George Street and First Rural Economy And – Automated Vehicle New Town Design Project – Connectivity Committee Consultation Consultation Response Restricted Roads (20 Mph In February 2019, SEStran contributed In January 2019 SEStran submitted a Speed Limit) (Scotland) Bill to the Scottish Law Commission’s response to the designs proposed by SEStran, in line with its objectives laid consultation on automated vehicles. The the City of Edinburgh Council. The out in our Regional Transport Strategy consultation was aimed at reviewing the concept design aims to enhance the (RTS) responded in January 2019 to the UK’s regulatory framework for the safe environmental and heritage quality of above consultation stating that the deployment of automated vehicles. the streets in the First New Town. available evidence demonstrates that a change to the default speed limit to Proposed December 2019 Transportation Noise Action Plan 20mph on restricted roads will improve TransPennine Express timetable (TNAP) 2019-2023 safety for all road and transport users and as such achieve the aims of the Bill. In December 2018 SEStran contributed In January 2019 SEStran responded to The aims of the Bill align strongly with to the stakeholder consultation the above consultation supporting the SEStran’s key objectives relating to document to support Transport for overall approach to the incorporation safety and health for the South East the North and partners in Scotland in of noise management into all transport of Scotland including: understanding the proposed timings of related activities and the management trains and frequency of services planned of noise levels where this is necessary. • Improve safety for December 2019. However, SEStran noted that it • Reduce accidents would need to be established who is • Increase trips by walk/cycle responsible for this work and what the • Improve air quality roles are of relevant stakeholders. • Reduce transport noise

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European Projects

SEStran is pleased to continue to be involved in working closely with European partners on innovative and progressive transport projects, contributing and sharing ideas to help benefit our own regional transport network.

for a partner meeting. During the With the project extended for 2.5 years, SHARE-North: Shared Mobility meeting, the project partners submitted SEStran plans to continue to promote Solutions for a Liveable and an extension application of the project shared mobility, focusing in particular Low-Carbon North Sea Region until December 2021. This extension on bringing the European concept of (an Interreg North Sea Region was approved by the EU programme ‘Mobihubs’ (sustainable mobility hubs) project) secretariat in December 2018. to the South East of Scotland. The partner visit to Edinburgh coincided More information can be found on: The SHARE-North project is about with SEStran’s second Integrated https://mobihubs.eu/ and https://share-north.eu/ promoting shared mobility as a form Mobility Forum. The lead partner from of sustainable transport and viable Bremen presented the SHARE-North alternative to the private car. In project and several other partners gave 2018/19, SEStran promoted shared presentations on the importance of mobility through Tripshare SEStran as promoting shared mobility. The forum well as GO e-Bike, the regional e-bike was attended by 45 delegates from sharing scheme in the South East of various organisations, including bus and Scotland. rail operators, local councillors, Transport In October 2018, SEStran welcomed Scotland, private companies, NHS and the SHARE-North partners to Edinburgh charities.

31 Annual Report 2018- 19

European Projects

REGIO MOB (an Interreg a healthier, more physically active population. The GO e-Bike First Year Europe project) Report, which came out in April 2019, The REGIO MOB project aims to indicated that 33% of users replaced promote sustainable travel by a daily car journey with a GO e-Bike influencing relevant policy instruments. trip. In addition to the Sustrans Audit In the case of SEStran, the REGIO MOB report, SEStran is planning to carry project will address the re-write of out a survey at St Andrews University the Regional Transport Strategy, the to research the relationship between process for which has now officially active mobility and health following the started. implementation of the GO e-Bike hub. In 2018/19, REGIO MOB entered ‘phase The findings from this work will be used 2’ of the project which involved to inform the re-write of the Regional implementing an Action Plan which Transport Strategy, for which a Main was developed in April 2018. The Issues Report will be produced in Action Plan focused on monitoring 2019/20. the impact of the GO e-Bike scheme to improve sustainable mobility which mobility based on the P.A.S.T.A (Physical built on the REGIO MOB knowledge Activity Through Sustainable Transport exchange during phase 1 of the project. Approaches) as presented by the Italian SEStran commissioned the Sustrans Lead Partner. The methodology aims to Research and Monitoring Unit to carry show how promoting active mobility out an Active Travel Survey for the (walking and cycling) can result in region, evaluating he levels of active

32 Annual Report 2018- 19

European Projects

SURFLOGH: Sustainable Urban SEStran are leading on a work package along with Edinburgh Napier University Logistics Hubs (an Interreg Transport Research Institute (TRI), North Sea Project) developing business models for urban URFLOGH aims to improve the role of freight hubs. These business models will logistics hubs in the network of urban focus on the scalability and applicability logistics through connecting long- of models for different locations and distance freight transport and last mile circumstances. The first stage of this distribution in strategically located research was presented at the 2019 STAR urban freight centres. Conference in Glasgow in May 2019. The whole area of last mile deliveries At the regional Logistics & Freight Forum is part of the wider concept of in November 2018 SEStran, Edinburgh city logistics, which concerns the Napier University & ZEDIFY launched an public and private planning and e-cargo bike pilot for Edinburgh, this will management of urban logistics. The trial the impact of city logistics in the City Logistics concept has emerged as centre of Edinburgh. a comprehensive approach aimed at Work was initiated last year by SEStran attempting to mitigate the negative and Edinburgh Napier University to host impacts of urban freight transportation the mid-term conference in Edinburgh without penalizing many economic, in May 2019. An opportunity for project social, administrative, cultural, touristic, partners to promote their work and and other activities. engage with delegates from Scotland, the rest of the UK and Europe. SURFLOGH https://northsearegion.eu/surflogh/about/

33 Annual Report 2018- 19

European Projects

BLING: Blockchain in to produce a system that stores, The demonstration took place at the manages and verifies information. Bayes Centre and took participants Government The team at Design Informatics through the process of completing SEStran and the Centre for Design supported by SEStran began prototyping smart contracts for delivering goods, Informatics at the University of ways to create Location Based Smart by visiting various specially designated Edinburgh are collaborating on a Contracts – agreements about the locations. project exploring opportunities location and relations of smart objects SEStran submitted two further around Blockchain technology in space that allow conditions such European funded applications this year, developing practical transport focused as proximity or co-location to trigger CONNECT focussed on best practice applications for the technology with actions like financial transfers or opening and sustainability in port environments the development of a pilot project in physical locks. These systems are and PriMaaS which is focused on the South East of Scotland. backed with blockchains, to explore integrating Mobility as a Service (MaaS) Blockchain is a key enabling technology new techniques for making location data solutions into policy development. that will underpin efforts to deliver secure without being invasive. innovative services under the Digital In March 2019 Design Informatics & Agenda for Scotland and Europe. SEStran introduced experts to smart Blockchain promotes user trust by contracts through the BLING GeoPact making it possible to build systems demonstrator. Transport and technology that share information and record experts visited the University of transactions in a verifiable, secure and Edinburgh for a hands-on demonstration permanent way. Based on a ‘distributed of location-based smart contracts. ledger’, blocks of information are chained together with cryptography

34 Annual Report 2018- 19 More Updates Other Programs and Policies

Governance characteristics. The recruitment equalities monitoring form has SEStran has been preparing its also been updated to capture far Mainstreaming and Equalities more information. Outcomes Progress Report for the In May 2018 staff attended Equate period 2017-19, which is required to Scotland’s Positive Language and be published by 30 April 2019. Unconscious Bias training. Further During the reporting period SEStran training on the Equality Act and 2012 have engaged with our legal advisers Regulations, specifically tailored to to ensure full compliance with our SEStran, setting out its responsibilities obligations under the Public Sector was delivered in March 2019. Staff also Equalities Duties. Some of the actions have access to online equalities and undertaken during the reporting diversity training modules. period are:

Staff Engagement SEStran has improved how it engages and supports its employees and during 2018 reviewed and updated the annual equalities monitoring form. The form is more detailed and provides a much clearer picture, in terms of protected

35 Annual Report 2018- 19 More Updates Other Programmes and Policies Cont’d

Non-Councillor Member Board pledging to implement the core Appointments actions and activities outlined in SEStran consulted with Equate the scheme guidance. Scotland, Changing the Chemistry Equate Scotland – Careerwise and Stonewall to develop an all- inclusive application process to SEStran worked in partnership with attract a wider range of applicants Equate Scotland through its Careerwise for the Non-Councillor Board Member scheme, which supports women in STEM. vacancies. Appointments were made An eight-week student placement was in June 2018 and this has resulted in a provided during summer 2018. gender balance of the Non-Councillor Members. Cyber Security Disability Confident Scheme In order to comply with the Scottish SEStran signed up to the Government’s Government’s Public Sector Cyber Disability Confident scheme in February Security Action Plan, SEStran carried 2017 as a commitment to pursuing out a robust review of its IT provision. our equalities outcomes. Since Under the scheme, an independent receiving our first “Disability Confident cyber security consultant was appointed Committed” certificate we have now, in in 2018 and audited the partnership’s 2018, progressed to the level 2 status IT environment. The outcome of this of “Disability Confident Employer” by audit was SEStran being awarded Cyber Essentials Plus accreditation.

36 Annual Report 2018- 19 Appendix Annual Accounts and Reports

Annual Accounts Public Services Reform Act welcome requests from groups that can aid SEStran in delivering its SEStran’s Annual Accounts can be The Public Services Reform (Scotland) strategic functions in the South East accessed online here: Act 2010 (Sections 31 and 32) imposes of Scotland. To gain more information www.sestran.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/ duties on Scottish public bodies to on how to place a request, please SESTRAN-Audited-Annual-Accounts-2018-19.pdf publish financial information as soon as follow the link: is reasonably practicable after the end www.sestran.gov.uk/corporate/participation- Climate Change Report of each financial year. This statement requests/ Part four of the Climate Change is produced annually by the South (Scotland) Act 2009, places duties on East of Scotland Transport Partnership Public Records Act public bodies to act in the way best (SEStran) to ensure compliance with SEStran is required under the terms calculated to contribute to the delivery the requirements of the Act. It can be of Section 1 of the Public Records of emissions reduction targets, to help accessed online here: (Scotland) Act 2011 to produce a deliver any statutory climate change www.sestran.gov.uk/publications/public-services- reform-act-scotland-2019-report/ Records Management Plan, setting adaptation programme, and in a way that out proper arrangements for the they consider is most sustainable. The management of its records and act came into force on 1 January 2011. Community Empowerment Act to submit this to the Keeper of Following the introduction of an Order by SEStran is a listed public authority the Records for approval. SEStran Scottish government in 2015, all 151 public under the Community Empowerment submitted its RMP in January 2011 and bodies that appear on the ‘Major Player’ Act and one of our duties under the it is available here: list must submit an annual report to the Act is to consider requests from the www.sestran.gov.uk/wp-content/ Sustainable Scotland Network (SSN), community. Participation Requests can uploads/2019/05/SEStran-Records-Management- detailing their compliance with help groups from the local community Plan.pdf the climate change duties. (a community-controlled body) to liaise www.sestran.gov.uk/wp-content/ with SEStran and other listed authorities uploads/2018/12/2019-12-06-Item-B1.-Climate- Change-Duties.pdf on improving issues in an area. We

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