New vision for city transport network

AFARE overhaul, the creation of a new bus company, and an emphasis on autonomous vehicles are just some of the ideas unveiled this week in a reimagining of Glasgow’s transport.

Other proposals include the forming of a “smart network”, which could adjust traffic lights in real time to cope with demands, and the adoption of a “personal carbon emissions statement to passengers”, asking them to take action to reduce their impact on the environment.

Bosses at Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT) also want to transform the body into “Transport for Strathclyde”, which they say will become a more powerful authority in control of one network across the region.

The document – Transforming Transport for Strathclyde – will act as a

“starting point” for a discussion on how to redevelop public transport in and around Glasgow.

Chairman of SPT, councillor Dr Martin Bartos, said: “This vision includes the features of a healthy public transport network and presents a fitness plan to address our own regional transport challenges.

“Transformative change for the better is achievable and must be delivered, not least for the sake of our future on this planet.

“Above all, this paper is about generating the policy discussion needed to get the collective agreement to start to transform our public transport system in Strathclyde for the better.

“I hope the public will join us in driving forward transformative change in public transport for Strathclyde.”

The document also calls for a new parliamentary Bill to empower the body and a

“public transport social contract” with the public which guarantees access to work, health, education and recreation – “without breaking the bank or planet”.

It adds that detailed financial modelling will be required and the necessary mechanisms and options must be developed to provide Transport for Strathclyde with the resources it needs.

Systems used in other regions, such as London, Vienna and Tallin, where public transport has been transformed, are also explored in the document.

Vice-chair of SPT Alan Moir said: “At the heart of this paper is a desire to create a better, more accessible public transport system.

“By improving public transport, we can improve quality of life in our towns and cities, and across our island and rural communities.

“Bus services are a lifeline for many.”