S4M-01717 John Mason (Glasgow Shettleston) (Scottish National Party): That the Parliament notes that 12 December 2011 was the first anniversary of the opening of the Airdrie to Bathgate rail link, which helps connect Glasgow with Edinburgh; welcomes recent figures published by Transport Scotland suggesting that the stations built at Armadale, Blackridge and Caldercruix are all on target to meet their initial annual passenger forecasts; considers that the increased frequency and greater seating capacity has also helped boost usage at existing stations on the route with Bathgate, Uphall and Livingston North all showing increases in travel to and from Edinburgh; welcomes the news that new direct journey opportunities have also delivered an average 14% increase in usage from intermediate stations on the route between Helensburgh and Edinburgh Waverley, and commends the Scottish Government, Network Rail, ScotRail and the other partners that delivered and operate the new route, which also serves the east end of Glasgow.