RADICAL plans to transform Glasgow’s transport system by rolling out a Metro network, connecting its two main stations by tunnel and expanding Central station over the Clyde have been unveiled as part of an ambitious new blueprint.
The Glasgow Connectivity Commission, established by council leader Susan Aitken in 2017, has put forward a series of bold proposals to boost the city’s economic performance and reconnect “left-behind” areas.
READ MORE: Full details: Report recommends creation of cross-city Glasgow Metro system
These include the creation of a Glasgow Metro system which would revive abandoned rail routes as well as creating a brand new link connecting the airport to Renfrew, Braehead, Queen Elizabeth University Hospital and the city centre.
Meanwhile, a tunnel burrowing under the Clyde and across the city centre promises to transform rail services throughout the central belt by plugging the existing gap between Queen Street and Central stations – and creating a “truly comprehensive regional express rail network”.
Professor David Begg, chair of the Commission, insisted the £10 billion proposals – which would be delivered over two decades at a cost of £500 million a year – were “ambitious and achievable”.
READ MORE: Map shows radical plans for proposed Glasgow Metro network
In his introduction to the new report, he writes: “We do not underestimate the challenges required to implement this report’s ambitious proposals.
“But we also believe they are affordable, deliverable and necessary if Scotland wants to achieve its goal of fostering sustainable and inclusive economic growth.”
It comes after the Commission put forward plans to “radically transform” Glasgow city centre last year, giving greater priority to pedestrians and allowing for the creation of public spaces "worthy of a great European city".
Its second report examines long-term changes to Glasgow’s road and rail network with the potential to change the face of the city forever.
As well as the Metro service and new tunnel, it recommends preparing Glasgow Central for high-speed rail services, extending the station over the Clyde and creating a new southern concourse. This would eventually pave the way for train journeys of less than three hours between Glasgow and London.
Meanwhile, a regional transport authority would be created to coordinate land planning and investment, while plans for bus priority on Glasgow’s motorway network would boost journey times and reliability and reduce overall traffic volumes.
The report also considers new methods of road charging, replacing fuel duty – which is currently worth £28 billion – to prepare for the shift to electric and self-driving vehicles.
Transport Secretary Michael Matheson welcomed the proposals, and insisted they would be considered as part of a wider assessment of transport needs.
He said: “Scotland’s transport networks support our economy and day to day activities and it is encouraging to see our largest city giving full consideration to what a future system could offer its citizens.
“The Commission’s report is timely as Transport Scotland takes forward a nationwide assessment of transport requirements with work on an updated National Transport Strategy and the second Strategic Transport Projects Review underway.
READ MORE: Revealed: Plans to reduce cars in Glasgow city to 'transform' streets
“We will consider these recommendations as part of our appraisal, allowing us to balance the needs of communities around the country.”
Susan Aitken, leader of Glasgow City Council, said: “Back in late 2017 I tasked the Commissioners with delivering a vision for Glasgow which was bold, ambitious and transformative and that is exactly what they have done.
“These proposals are worthy of detailed consideration. This is the kind of thinking which Glasgow has needed and it’s clear that the Connectivity Commission has benefited from a very high calibre of evidence and expertise.
“These recommendations have the potential to deliver the kind of inclusive and sustainable economic growth the City Government is committed to, to give Glasgow a competitive edge it needs to compete globally and provide the transport networks the citizens of Glasgow and beyond deserve.”
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