SEStran is one of seven Regional Transport Partnerships (RTPs) in Scotland, were set up by the Transport (Scotland) Act 2005, with an initial remit to develop a Regional Transport Strategy (RTS).
The main purpose of the RTS is to provide a framework which will guide the future management of, and investment in, transport for the SEStran area over the next 10-15 years. SEStran contains eight constituent council areas – City of Edinburgh, Clackmannanshire, East Lothian, Falkirk, Fife, Midlothian, Scottish Borders and West Lothian.
The location and geographical structure of the SEStran partnership area presents it with some major opportunities and challenges, ranging from those posed by strong economic growth to those related to access from remote rural areas to a range of services including hospitals. Within the SEStran area, there is also a huge diversity of transport issues ranging from urban congestion to rural public transport. SEStran aims to address these issues and work towards a more sustainable and efficient transport network, in line with local, regional and national policy. Clearly, a partnership approach will be required between SEStran, the eight local authorities and Transport Scotland, along with other RTPs and the Scottish Government, to ensure clear roles and responsibilities with respect to transport planning and delivery.
SEStran has recently published its Regional Transport Strategy which has the following high level vision.
"South East Scotland is a dynamic and growing area which aspires to become one of northern Europe's leading economic region. Essential to this is the development of a transport system which enables businesses to function effectively, allows all groups in society to share in the regions success through high quality access to services and opportunities, respects the environment, and contributes to better health".
SEStran takes a leading role in bringing together all freight related bodies both in the public and private sectors through the SEStran Freight Quality Partnership (FQP). The FQP has currently about forty members representing national and local government, facility operators, freight operators (covering all modes) and freight customers. It has recently approved a Freight Action Plan which has significant synergies with the Dryport project. SEStran also hosts a rail liaison group which draws together all the rail operators within the Region and local authorities to identify issues and co-ordinate planning.