Why is the railway not going through to, or via, towns such as Peebles, Penicuik or Dalkeith?
Following the original Waverley route was by far the most cost effective, as much of the corridor remained intact and many structures still remain. Some routes were discounted because of distance and time. Midlothian Council has undertaken a study to explore the possibilities of public transport links along the A701 corridor, crossing the A720 at Straiton. This study examined the relative benefits of a Guided Bus way and Light or Heavy Rail. The study concluded that improvements to bus operations in the corridor should be progressed in the short term with heavy rail being considered in the medium to long term. Midlothian Council is committed to providing good transport links between the proposed stations at Shawfair, Eskbank, Newtongrange and Gorebridge and other major population centres, such as Dalkeith.
