BIG BOOST FOR

Key progress made on public transport proposal for city

THE Glasgow Metro plan to transform public transport in the city has been given a boost after it was included in the Scottish Government’s list of priorities for the future.

The Metro, which will include new tram routes linking to current rail routes in the city, has been included in the Transport Scotland Strategic Transport Project Review.

It is a major step towards the ambitious plan becoming reality – with the move meaning that the Scottish Government recognises it as a project worthy of investment.

The Metro is planned to start with a link from Glasgow Airport to Paisley Gilmour Street Station, followed by other routes across the city.

It could make use of disused railway lines, and will focus on improving areas of the city that are not sufficiently connected to allow people to access facilities and job opportunities.

It was noted by the Connectivity Commission that the better-off suburbs outside the city are better connected to the city centre than the poorer areas within the city boundaries.

Options mentioned include a link to the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital and along the south of the River Clyde, linking across the Clyde Arc, Squinty Bridge, to the north bank to the SEC, and Central Station in the city centre.

Routes to other hospitals and better-connected parts of the city to the centre using main routes, such as Edinburgh Road in the east and Great Western Road to the west, have been proposed in the scheme.

Long-closed rail sections could be reopened including the old Central Low Level Line via the Botanic Gardens to Maryhill, and the London Road tunnel to sports facilities such the Emirates, Celtic Park at Parkhead and the swimming pool at Tollcross.

New spur lines are also envisaged to areas never before served by rail, particularly in the northeast of the city.

The next phase of the Strategic Transport Project Review is expected to be an announcement later this year of funding for specific projects to get work started.

The report states: “While corridors are not yet defined, it is envisaged that these would focus on unserved and underserved areas with relatively poor connectivity.

“Improving access to key hubs such as the city centre, hospitals, major education facilities, key employment centres, retail hubs, major leisure/sports facilities.

“Integrating with major transport hubs such as Glasgow Central and Queen Street railway stations, Glasgow Airport and suburban interchanges.”

The Metro was recommended by the Connectivity Commission into improving transport in the city.

Glasgow City Council leader Susan Aitken said: “Today’s report accepts the pressing economic, environmental and social case for a much better-connected city and region.

“The truth is that, in Glasgow, too many of the people who rely on public transport for employment, education and social opportunities live in communities that are poorly served by our existing networks. Equally, many of those who contribute least to greenhouse gases are at the greatest risk of being worst affected by the climate crisis.”

The Transport Scotland report gives the “rationale for intervention” that backs the Metro plan as transport being a major factor in people being excluded from opportunity.

It is recognised that simply enabling more cars on the roads will not help Glasgow’s efforts to contribute to managing climate change.

The report states: “The Glasgow conurbation is not achieving its economic potential.

“The incidence of multiple deprivation, health issues and multi-generational unemployment have created a cycle that is becoming embedded and excluding people from achieving their potential and contributing to a flourishing and vibrant place.

“Climate change creates an urgent need to tackle carbon, but the just transition agenda has particular resonance for Glasgow.

“There are many solutions covering a wide range of topics that will need to act in concert to deliver change, and transport has a role to play in this.”

Transport Secretary Michael Matheson said: “As we continue to navigate our way through an unprecedented global health emergency, the investment decisions we make have never been so important.

“We want to lock in the changes to the healthy, green travel options we’ve seen during the pandemic, while supporting interventions that will aid and help accelerate economic recovery.

“We are conducting a thorough, evidence-based review of the performance of Scotland’s strategic transport network across active travel, bus, ferry, rail and the trunk road network.”

The Glasgow conurbation is not achieving its potential