Nivsy, London has had the Dome, paid for largely by lottery money. The Olympics will be predominantly paid for by lottery money, sponsorships and London taxpayers. I don't buy lottery tickets, I don't live in London, so I'm not going to complain so loudly.
Both of the above over-ran their budgets. Then there's Wembley - I think I might be paying for that one, but I also hope to be able to benefit from a concert or two, and something to brighten up the journey out of Euston.
EDI already has a perfectly good bus link into town. Sure, I'd prefer a train, and I'd find a direct link to Glasgow useful from time to time. But if the ticket costs are anything like the rate charged by the LHR Express (article talks of premium fares), I might still end up using the bus. Unless of course they do what they did at NCL, and scrap the bus. Am I also right in thinking that Edinburgh to Glasgow train journeys will now take longer?
So all I can say in response to your question is that the £610m will almost certainly end up being conservative.
There was no reference in the article about who is paying for this facility, and I assume it won't be BAA. If we're not paying for it, then I'll gladly stand corrected - but whoever is paying for it, I just can't see much sense in the sums.
I just hope your not an accountant or in the "city". 9 Billion will not be covered by lottery money by a long shot and i should think all of the UK tax payers will have to pay - not just Londoner's!!
The cost of Edinburgh links etc will no doubt all come out soon enough although I am sure that PFI and PPP will be heavily involved.
Nivsy,
Neither. I'm not going to defend the Olympics, as I said, I didn't ask for them. Any chance of getting back to the issue?
According to: http://www.earlproject.com/qanda.php#04
"How Much Will It Cost?
Now that the public consultation, technical development and environmental consultation stages are complete, tie is developing the project’s business case and finalising the overall cost assessment of the project. Initial studies suggested that the construction of the scheme would cost close to £500m. The indications of the ongoing work on the business case suggest that the final cost will be within this budget. The total project cost is now being refined as further technical assessments are completed."
Already £610m and counting!
"Who Will Pay?
EARL is a national project and it is anticipated that the Scottish Executive will be the principal funder"
And who funds the Scottish Executive? I understand that the Scottish Parliament has tax raising powers, but has it used them? Ditto, with route development funds - I'm not aware of any extra taxation scheme which pays for these, but I would be happy to stand corrected.
EARL will serve Scotland not just Edinburgh Airport.
One must remember that the Newbridge viaduct and a dodgy tunnel near Winchburgh will not last forever, hence the reason for diverting the Glasgow line through EDI.
I'm amazed that this project has attracted such attention.
Recommended reading ..http://www.earlproject.com
The feasability study on the same web site that you mention (Chapter 7 - financial costs) is interesting reading with many potential partners being involved - altho' ofcourse it can be argued that they will need to recoup investment of costs for such a project. European Money also seem poss
"There can't be many public capital engineering
projects in that league?"
I can think of one down in Holyrood which was almost as expensive, and a lot less useful.
I accept the whole of Scotland argument, joining the lines seems like a good idea. But the majority of pax flying to/from EDI must still want to get to the centre or the outskirts of Edinburgh. The airport express and local buses provide this option. Last time I flew to EDI, I took the bus which goes down CERT (#22?) to Leith. Think I was about the only person on it until it got to Edinburgh Park.
How many does that leave who will benefit, including those non-air pax who can transfer there - but presumably at a hefty premium?
I think it is a great project, but I just can't see it justifying such a hefty price tag - we are just talking about a station here, not a whole airport after all!
Hi Joe, I did a "Google" on your name and I apologise if it isn't you, but a "Joe Curry" came up with this apparently -
"Why don't I fly AA from GLA? Because of the reasons you have listed
above... And because I want to support the local economy and jobs.
Using an airport gives airlines the impression you like it...that's why
I fly exclusively from EDI..."
I'm sure it's not you, but the comment is interesting I'm sure you'll agree, this guy whoever he is just doesn't want to use Glasgow Abbotsinch at any cost. Imagine we all thought like him?
Im really struggling to understand the logic in bulding an underground station and tunnels under the runway. To me the most logical thing to do is build a station on the main Edinburgh - Aberdeen mainline, at the East End of the runway (cargo end) and build a monorail to connect to the terminal like Gatwick or Birmingham.
But then again who am i to say anything im just a humble British Taxpayer with no rights.
Fair point, but LGW South Terminal is at least connected directly to the station.
What we have at BHX is a bit of a sham, because the people mover (sorry, downgraded Maglev) only provides a link between the station and Terminal 1. Pax have to trundle through T1 to get to T2.
There was some comment in the article about not wanting to build a guided busway and the rail link. I'm sure that a variation of Goldeneye's suggestion AND the busway could have been built. I think DUS might be a good example of the kind of scheme I think you are talking about? ICE station at the eastern end of the runways + S-bahn station under the terminal complex.
There would then have been plenty of change from £600m left over to upgrade walking and cycling facilities across all of Scotland - and the rest of the UK for that matter, and provide a few more bus subsidies, and re-open a couple of branch lines..............
THE first direct flights between Scotland and Provence have been announced by Jet2.com, with a Saturday service between Edinburgh and Avignon from June to September. It will be Edinburgh's seventh French route, after Flybe's Saturday flights to Bergerac and Rennes begin in May.
Can someone explain why is it at EDI when you're cleared taxi to holding point D for departure, you're "Clear to cross the 12 undershoot"????
I thought that when you're clear to proceed to D you are clear through the whole route to D and anything that's in the way. Then you have to read this nonsense back as well!!
Remembering that landing or taking off involves passing through that same silly undershoot 20 feet further away (the runway), but you're not told "clear to land/take off 24 and to fly through the 12 undershoot".
Please someone explain
Stelios,
Instead of having a feeble and very public rant on the WWW, why don't you phone ATC and ask. We don't bite - unless provoked
WJMcP
P.S. More of an ATC Issues topic is'nt it.
should have read Provence of course. Florence being an old girl friend whose name still haunts me,
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