THE delivery of the proposed Clyde Metro has taken a ‘major step forward’ following the announcement that Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT) will lead the development of a case for investment (CFI) for the project.
The proposed multi-billion pound Clyde Metro would better connect over 1.5 million in and around Glasgow, with it planned to incorporate existing routes including the city’s subway and rail lines, as well as new light surface-running metro lines and heavy rail converted into metro.
The CFI is the next key stage in the development of the Clyde Metro, with it setting out the strategic business case for the project and arrangements for the initial delivery phases – with it also taking forward work to improve sustainable transport access to Glasgow Airport and longer-term plans for future phases of the metro.
Work on the CFI will get underway in 2024, with it expected to be completed in 2026. A dedicated programme team currently being established will take forward the CFI and will liaise with the public and key stakeholders across business and industry to ensure ‘vital’ input into the CFI as it develops.
SPT chair, councillor Stephen Dornan, said, “Clyde Metro is an opportunity to deliver a step-change in public transport in our region. As a major transport and transformational project for the area, SPT is delighted as the Regional Transport Partnership, to lead the development of the Case for Investment working alongside our project partners. Significant work is underway already, and we look forward to making good progress into 2024.
“The development of Clyde Metro is essential to the future of public transport in our region. As set out in SPT’s Regional Transport Strategy, we want to work with partners to make the west of Scotland a well-connected place with active, liveable communities and accessible, vibrant centres facilitated by high quality, sustainable and low carbon transport shaped by the needs of all.”
Councillor Susan Aitken, leader of Glasgow City Council, added, “Clyde Metro is the transformational, ambitious and deliverable public transport system that the Glasgow metropolitan region has been waiting for and this is a major step towards realising the huge economic, social and environmental benefits to communities across the Glasgow City Region that a modern, affordable and integrated public transport system will provide.
“The case for investment will nail down the practical elements necessary to determine a timetable for delivery, routes, destinations and specific modes, and ensure metro becomes something which citizens can see will be relevant to their lives and to their communities.
“Throughout this new phase, the City Council will continue to make the case for the transformational potential of Metro and the part it will play in Glasgow becoming a more inclusive, sustainable, vibrant and prosperous European city.”
