RANGERS fans could be able to get the train directly to Ibrox, if new plans go ahead.
Glasgow councillor Stephen Dornan is bringing forward a proposal which could see the old Ibrox Railway Station restored to its former glory.
The station shut its doors in 1967 and has remained unused since, despite trains still regularly using the line that bypasses the site.
READ MORE: Rangers director Alastair Johnston insists club is "ahead of the curve" in its recovery
Network Rail have admitted they are open to discussions about the re-opening, while Mr Dornan has set-up a meeting with Gers’ managing director Stewart Robertson to talk about the plan.
Mr Dornan said: “The idea is to reinstate the former Ibrox railway station because with the new Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, the BBC and STV, the traffic conditions in Govan are at breaking point, if not having already surpassed that.
“That would alleviate the problem. It would mean there could be events day parking in more of the areas to help people who can’t get into their driveways at times because it’s so busy.
“If we returned that station, on matchdays we could take, I estimate, around 20,000 fans from the roads on to the rail.
“I got an email from Rangers. Rangers are very supportive of it.
“It’s very easy to do. It wouldn’t take long. The tracks are there, it’s just a matter of the train stopping. How easy is that?
“I’m hoping that this will happen within the next year.”
READ MORE: Rangers director Alastair Johnston insists club is "ahead of the curve" in its recovery
Rangers fans’ group Club 1872 have also hinted that their members could back the scheme.
Director Laura Fawkes said: “The reopening of Ibrox Railway Station could certainly help to improve transport links to the stadium on match days.
“This is particularly relevant given the parking restrictions which have been proposed and which our members voted to oppose in 2017.
“We would hope that everything possible would be done to ensure safe and convenient travel alternatives if these restrictions are passed and the reopening of the railway station could be one such alternative.”
Residents’ groups have backed the plans, with Ibrox and Cessnock Community Council chairman Mark Hughes said: “If this proposal did go ahead it would be a great asset to our community and other local communities, along with the benefits it will bring on match days at Ibrox Stadium.”
READ MORE: Rangers director Alastair Johnston insists club is "ahead of the curve" in its recovery
The group’s secretary, Serena Hay added: “It certainly hasn’t met with any discontent and believe me when folks have a problem they don’t sit there quietly.
“Although I can’t speak on behalf of the whole community I personally love the idea and I think it would also be good if there were an airport link.”
Plans are in the early stages but if they are progressed support could be sought from the Scottish Stations Investment fund.
More than £7m from that scheme is already being used to build the new Robroyston station.
A Network Rail spokesperson said: “Network Rail is not currently investigating the potential to open a station at Ibrox, but we’re always available to discuss proposals to expand Scotland’s railway where they are supported by a viable business case and meet a clear customer need.”
Rangers were approached for a comment.
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