Strathclyde Partnership for Transport
How we do it
SPT works in partnership
SPT is working to develop stronger links with its partners. These include its member Councils, Transport Scotland, the bus and rail industry, health boards, the enterprise network and other stakeholders. Through the development of the Regional Transport Strategy and this operating plan, SPT will develop a range of projects and initiatives that will help grow the economy, improve the environment and make travel more accessible, convenient and safe.
Beyond transport related matters, SPT has a role to participate with Community Planning Partnerships (CPPs) in the Strathclyde area. This role has resulted in SPT being involved in wide ranging joint planning and joint service delivery including matters related to employment, education, health and security along with its stakeholders. In turn the CPP stakeholders are now making a positive contribution to the preparation of the Regional Transport Strategy. In addition to this work, SPT plans to increase its staffing resources committed to community planning over the next 12 months.
In autumn 2006, SPT aligned its most senior staff to key partners and stakeholders in support of improved partnership working.
Joining up journeys
SPT runs the Subway
The Subway provides a fast and reliable way of getting around central Glasgow. During peak times there is a Subway train every four minutes calling at the 15 stations on the circular route north and south of the river. It is a crucial link in West Central Scotland’s transport infrastructure, carrying over 13.2 million passengers a year. Park-and-Ride facilities are offered at four stations – most notably the new 800 space Park and Ride at Shields Road. There are also direct links to the national rail network at Partick and Buchanan Street.
SPT provides ferries
SPT owns and operates the Renfrew-Yoker ferry, linking the North and South of the River Clyde.
In addition, SPT provides a subsidy to the Gourock-Kilcreggan-Helensburgh ferry, carrying many thousands of daytrippers, tourists and commuters across the Clyde estuary.
Over 230,000 passengers a year use the ferry services.
SPT represents local interests within the area by participating in the Shipping Services Advisory Committee.
SPT does the school run
Working with 11 local education authorities, SPT organises the biggest school run in Scotland. Every day, SPT carries around 46,000 pupils. To do this, it uses the existing public transport service - buses, trains, ferries and the Subway - as well as contract buses, cars and taxis.
SPT administers free transport
Thanks to Transport Scotland and SPT, working on behalf of the Strathclyde Concessionary Travel Joint Committee, elderly and disabled people in west central Scotland enjoy some of the most comprehensive concessionary travel opportunities available in the country.
On top of free bus and, where eligible, local ferry travel, elderly and disabled people receive discounts on rail and Subway travel.
SPT also manages the booking and despatch system for the Free Evening Hospital Bus Service on behalf of NHS Scotland, Community Transport Glasgow and Glasgow City Council.
SPT invests in the rail network
SPT has already invested over £400 million in making Strathclyde's rail network one of the most reliable regional networks in the UK, which is no mean feat when you consider it is also Britain's second largest.
Until November 2005, SPT specified the routes, timetables, fares and quality standards for every train service and station within Strathclyde and on certain routes beyond the area. Transport Scotland now exercise these powers, thatsaid SPT still has a major role to play in developing strategic rail projects, such as the Glasgow Airport Rail Link, Crossrail and Partick station redevelopment.
SPT also has a major part to play on behalf of the public, in encouraging and facilitating the improvement of rail services and facilities within the area by working in partnership with parties such as Transport Scotland, train operators and local councils.
SPT joins up journeys for less
Whether you are a regular commuter, a tourist or a family on a day trip, SPT’s range of integrated travel tickets such as ZoneCard, Roundabout and family Daytripper give you discounted fares on buses, trains, ferries and the Subway.
SPT joins up journeys safely
School children, elderly and disabled people, holidaymakers and commuters - SPT joins up journeys for many people. More importantly, by investing in the infrastructure and support systems, SPT can help to ensure that they get there safely. Public transport is already far safer than travelling by car and the organisation aims to go on improving this margin.
SPT plans to further invest in CCTV systems and proposes to pay for the installation of CCTV cameras in every railway station in the SPT area. A Head of Security was appointed during 2006, with responsibility for reviewing security and safety procedures across the organisation. This appointment has improved links with key partners like Strathclyde Police and the British Transport Police and has resulted in a number of new initiatives including the patrolling of the Subway System in an effort to tackle vandalism and anti-social behaviour.
SPT maintains bus shelters and bus stops
On behalf of councils, SPT also maintains over 1,700 bus shelters and some 10,000 bus stops. Additionally the organisation has invested some £3.7 million to date installing new bus stops and information display cases throughout the RTP area.
SPT operates and manages bus stations
SPT operates and manages Buchanan, Hamilton and East Kilbride bus stations which handle around 16 million passengers a year. Not only is Buchanan bus station the biggest in Scotland, it is also one of the busiest in the UK. In November 2006, Buchanan and East Kilbride bus stations won the prestigious Scottish Transport Award for "Improved Access for People with Disabilities".
SPT has a network of Travel Centres and Travel Points
SPT's network of Travel Centres and Travel Points deal with over 1.7 million enquiries each year. Additionally the Mobile Travel Centre provides a unique service to rural communities in the west of Scotland. Staff can tell people which train they need to get to catch the 5 o'clock ferry as well as what bus links them to a Subway station.
People can use the Travel Centres to check their local bus timetable, buy a ZoneCard or even book long distance coach trips or holidays. On behalf of tour operators, staff sell coach breaks to hundreds of destinations across Europe. This is joining up countries as well as journeys.
Joining up communities
SPT subsidises bus services
SPT subsidises local bus services in those areas not served by the commercial bus market. This aims to ensure that the most remote village or isolated housing estate has access to public transport.
In the past few years SPT has used legal powers to ensure that vehicles used on subsidised local bus services are fully compliant with the Disability Discrimination Act. Approximately 98% of all such services now meet this standard.
SPT has also introduced the innovative Ring'n'Ride bus service to all rural communities in its area. Ring'n'Ride services are demand-responsive services which permit passengers to call in advance to book a journey and the bus will pick up and drop off as close as possible to home and destination.
SPT assists those with mobility problems
SPT provides Dial-a-Bus services to enable those members of the community who, through mobility problems or advanced age, have difficulty in using mainstream bus services. This service is provided using wheelchair-accessible, DDA-compliant vehicles. These services carry over 370,000 passengers annually, who would otherwise have been denied the opportunity of transport for shopping, GP/health centre appointments, lunch clubs and other social activities.
SPT provides Travel Planning advice
A Travel Plan is a series of measures and initiatives to promote and encourage sustainable staff travel with the aim of reducing the reliance on the car. Working with local authorities, other public bodies and private firms, SPT’s travel planning team provides advice to organisations wishing to develop a Travel Plan for their employees.
SPT and Equalities
SPT is committed to developing and implementing the new equalities legislation into its human resources, operational policies and project delivery. SPT also aspires to reflect within its workforce the diversity of communities in the west of Scotland and will continue to mainstream equalities matters in all of its activities.