Transport Scotland deems Haddington train station case weak

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 22 Oct, 15:15 · Archive

Transport Scotland has rejected East Lothian Council's case for a new train station in Haddington, saying insufficient evidence has been provided that the benefits would outweigh the costs. The council had spent six years on a transport appraisal supporting a town centre station with half-hourly services to tackle traffic pressures from East Lothian's growing population.

Transport Scotland advised the council to improve bus links instead to existing train stations at Longniddry and East Linton, the latter having opened in December 2023 and located less than six miles from Haddington. In its response, Transport Scotland said there was no clear rationale for failing to consider bus-rail integration options, stating the council had not fully appraised all options with potential to deliver value for money.

East Lothian Council officers said Transport Scotland's criticism of a lack of bus options was somewhat contradictory, given that their study had focused on long-held aspirations to reopen rail links in Haddington and was funded by the Local Development Rail Fund.

How it is being reported

• Hopes for new Haddington train station dealt blow as Transport Scotland tells council case for new stop is 'weak'Transport Scotland has said it is not in favour of the new train station and has instead told the council to improve bus links to nearby stationsEdinburgh Evening News · 22 Oct, 16:15
• Hopes of new East Lothian train station dented as case branded 'weak'Transport Scotland has advised East Lothian Council to look at improving bus links from Haddington to neighbouring train stations as a more cost effective way of improving public transportEdinburgh Live · 22 Oct, 14:16

In this story: Transport Scotland · East Lothian Council · Haddington · Longniddry · East Linton

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