When the Clyde flourishes, so does the city and Scotland
the number one priority of the Connectivity Commission. Let’s make it happen. There will be money in the budget for capital and infrastructure.”
He said the current plan for a link between Glasgow Airport and Paisley Gilmour street was “so far the most credible”.
However, he added that the money was there to start with through the city deal, and said if the councils get the first phase right he was “confident” progress could be made, “subject to business cases”.
The Glasgow Times revealed earlier this week that the plans for the first phase of the city metro had the agreement of Glasgow and Renfrewshire councils.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said at Holyrood this week the citywide metro would be considered by the Scottish Government’s transport projects review.
Aitken said: “The case for a Glasgow Metro is compelling. It is not just about connectivity to the airport, vital though that is – it is a green infrastructure project that will deliver benefits for communities and businesses all across the City Region.
“It has the support not only of both local authorities, but also the Chamber of Commerce and, importantly, Glasgow Airport. It was hugely encouraging to hear the First Minister in Parliament reiterate the Scottish Government’s support for Glasgow as we take the metro plans forward.
“And as we seek the investment required to deliver the metro, we will talk not only to national government but also to local and global investors with the vision to see the benefits to their business being associated with this transformative project.
“Above all, we believe the case for a metro is compelling because, as this nation’s only true metropolitan area, it is Glasgow’s turn.”