@Arellcat kindly checked out the timings but Shawfair station could be an easy bike ride from ERI with a few small tweaks:
- a more direct exit route from Edinburgh platform
- a decent crossing of Millerhill Road
- field path upgrade to Danderhall
- more direct path along line of aqueduct/pipeline into hospital
Based of the effect on other stations with good links this would boost the c.30.000 boardings/year from Shawfair
For those on foot, a frequent (& small) electric bus, shuttling Sheriffhall-Shawfair-Main doors might run - possibly using bus only link road to run to Newcraighall (often empty parking at retail park outside shopping hours) perhaps 3-4 buses to deliver service every 2-3 minutes, with CCTV/real time tracking to display train/bus position at stations/on bus. This bus service also connecting with other bus services (from E Lothian) at Newcraighall & Fort Kinnaird cutting journey times.
The shuttle bus should be free to board - & underwritten by a sponsor package or contributions from Sheriffhall/Newcraighall parking charges, and a % based on Scotrail monthly boardings total, plus the savings made by ERI on not providing free car parking.
Having also had recent chat with Scotrail director, the potential for unlocking the silos that block/delay use of stations as local community hubs, to look at a convenience store/GP Surgery-Health Centre at Shawfair Station, providing staff presence & local activity - especially for the new housing developments within walking & cycling distance
A big silos issue here is that the Edinburgh-Midlothian boundary screws up projects that 'cannot' be managed under a single umbrella. Perhaps a Sustrans/Paths for All detail that can coalesce all funding streams & have a single project management
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