In 2014, both the current contract for rail passenger services (ScotRail) and the funding arrangements for Network Rail in Scotland are due to come to an end and new arrangements have to be in place.
The consultation document provides details of how the railway in Scotland operates today and sets out the questions and options being considered for the future.
Transport Minister Keith Brown said: "By participating in this consultation, passengers and stakeholders have the chance to help shape Scotland's rail future and I would encourage them to read through the document, consider the issues which are important to them and respond with their views.
"An efficient railway is key to the Scottish Government's purpose of increasing sustainable economic growth. Our ambition is to have a railway that offers value for money, ensures closer working and integration between Network Rail and the service operators and, most importantly, has passenger interests at its heart.
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"Our aim is to develop an efficient, passenger-focused railway, which incorporates the best private sector attributes with the ethos of public service and this consultation is a crucial part of our considerations."
From today stakeholders and members of the public can respond to the consultation via the Transport Scotland website.
Transport Scotland staff will also be speaking with passengers at train stations across the country, where passengers will be able to give direct feedback. Stakeholders in the public sector and in the rail industry will be contacted directly and invited to contribute to the consultation.
The closing date for consultation is February 20, 2012. The outcomes of this consultation will be published later in 2012.
The consultation considers a variety of issues affecting the delivery of rail services in Scotland, including rail fares, how to improve reliability, train and station facilities, and environmental factors.
There are around 78 million passenger journeys a year on ScotRail services, with a further 6 million passenger journeys across the border to and from England. Demand for ScotRail passenger services has increased by 25.5 per cent over the last seven years and this demand is expected to grow.
The Scottish rail network is extensive - around 2,800 kilometres of track, a quarter of which is electrified, and 350 stations. It is a mixed use railway with both passenger and freight services.
Scottish Ministers specify and contract for ScotRail passenger services and fund the maintenance, renewal and investment activities delivered by Network Rail within Scotland.
(GK)
