SPT publications

Interchange Issue 15, published July 2007

“Interesting times” ahead for SPT.

“It is a great privilege - in fact an honour - to have been elected once again to serve as the Chair of Strathclyde Partnership for Transport. SPT’s agenda for the next four years is filled with promise and possibility. These are indeed interesting times”.

This is what Councillor Alistair Watson told Interchange following his unanimous election as SPT Chair at the first meeting of the new Partnership following the Scottish Elections in May. We caught up with him last week as he grabbed a lunch on the go at his desk at SPT. This wasn’t so much an interview for Interchange - more a manifesto for the future.

Councillor Watson made it clear that he relishes combining forces to work with the new Executive. He said “Many of the priorities for transport that the Executive now hold match the policies SPT has laid out in its Regional Transport Strategy. I have already had one exceptionally encouraging meeting with the Deputy First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon MSP, who was enthusiastic about our vision and our hopes. Want a cup of tea by the way?” he said on his way to the machine outside his office.

He says he’s also delighted that Glasgow Airport Rail Link was identified by the new Transport Minister, Stewart Stevenson, as one of the Executive’s priority projects. Late in June the minister announced a delay of a year for the completion of GARL because a major signalling project in the Paisley rail corridor is now to be integrated with GARL. But the minister’s statement heartened the SPT Chair.

“Stewart Stevenson gave everyone at SPT a boost because he named GARL as one of the projects he was delighted to see going ahead. So although he announced a delay in the completion time for GARL his statement was a great vote of confidence in the ability of SPT, Network Rail and Transport Scotland to deliver.”

A twenty-first century Subway for a twenty-first century Scotland is also one of Alistair Watson’s big ticket items for SPT. Just before the election, SPT published plans which included the renovation and refurbishment of the current Subway and its extension east and west. Councillor Watson believes SPT can put together plans which could be completed before the Commonwealth Games in 2014 which would see the Subway extending east into the heart of the area where the Commonwealth Games village would be if the Glasgow bid is successful.

“We are in the process of establishing costs for this. We went on a fact finding mission to Toulouse last year where a light rail system has been built to use heavy rail tracks and was built for less than 1 billion Euros. We believe that with support from the Executive and parliament it would be possible to begin work on the modernisation and extension project by 2010. We can make it happen for the Executive and the people of Scotland,” the Chairman enthused.

But he insisted there was more to come, much more. “You know, “he said, “there’s the advertising slogan you see at the Airports - Scotland the best small country in the world. Well why shouldn’t we have the best transport system of any small country in the world to go with the slogan?” He says that’s why SPT has been urging policy makers to carry out a feasibility study to look at fast links between Glasgow and Edinburgh - including the possibility that a Maglev train would be the best answer to the problem that has existed for years.

“Ambition for Scotland is what it’s about,” said the Chair. “Ambition for the possibility of a Maglev, ambition for a Crossrail project to complete Scotland’s rail jigsaw, ambition for a new and better Subway, ambition for a better deal on the buses, ambition for GARL. Why not?”

And with that he was off to another round of meetings to do more convincing about the future for those willing to listen, stuffing the remains of a cheese sandwich in his mouth as he went.

End of story.

Subway - a bold vision for the future.

SPT has revealed a long-term strategy to redevelop the Glasgow Subway system. The proposals, which were announced in March, include modernising the current system and a possible extension of the Subway to the east end of the city.

In 2005, SPT hired design consultants Atkins to produce a report on the future of the Subway. The report proposed 10 option strategies for SPT’s consideration. These options ranged from Subway closure to the extension of the current system.

SPT members agreed to support, in principal, two priority options:

1) Modernisation of the current Subway system from top to bottom. This would include replacement of rolling stock, automatic controls, new interchange facilities, new park and ride provision, new ticketing systems and an improved maintenance system. The cost to do this is currently estimated at £270 million.

2) Extending the Subway to the east end of Glasgow. The original Atkins report proposed an entirely new circular route for the present system to the east of Glasgow. This was heavily featured in the media following the publishing of the SPT report on the Atkins recommendations. The initial indicative cost for this option was £2.3 billion.

However, SPT is now investigating a much more stringent cost benefit analysis of the proposals, which could provide a new west - east link for the Subway. This link would be based largely on existing railway structures.

SPT is in the process of establishing costs for this but it may be worth noting that SPT leaders went to Toulouse last year where a light rail on heavy rail system has been built at a cost of less than €1 billion or some £672 million. With support from the Scottish Executive and parliament, it should be possible to begin work on the modernisation and extension project by 2010.

An eastern extension would perhaps be a first phase of development, but there is no doubt it would be a vital component in the current East End Regeneration plans - including Clyde Gateway - and would provide a huge boost to the economic development in the east of the city.

Chief Executive of SPT, Ron Culley said: “We need to face the fact that the current system is fraying at the edges. The Subway has served Glasgow well for over a hundred years but we now need to invest further in the city’s infrastructure. These proposals contain bold visions. They would give Glasgow a 21st century transport system for a 21st century city. What we now need to do is work out how we can make that happen.”

End of story.

Survey supports SPT view.

A survey carried out by the Glasgow Evening Times newspaper has revealed that, out of 700 people, 93 per cent said the Subway system should be extended.

In response to the survey results, SPT Chair Councillor Alistair Watson said: “This shows that we are in tune with the needs of the public. The message is clear - we want what you want.

“This city needs a world-class Subway system. That’s what our passengers deserve. I realise an extension won’t come cheap and we still have lots of hurdles to overcome.

“However, this is a ringing endorsement from the people who would use the extended Subway.”

End of story.

High tech maintenance system for Subway.

In May, SPT installed new technology that could help prevent Subway breakdowns. It’s hoped that the new track monitoring system will allow engineering staff to have better advance warning of possible problems.

The new technology means the electric current flowing around the Subway track circuits can be monitored much more effectively than before. Drops in the current usually indicate that equipment is about to fail. The new system allows engineers to have a much better picture of patterns of current and therefore have better information of potential problems in the system.

If we can identify potential problems on the network before they occur, we can take a more pro-active approach. The end result should be fewer service suspensions.

End of story.

GARL Latest.

Boost for football facilities.

As well as the start of major signalling work in the Paisley Rail Corridor, (reported in the front page article) other preparatory works for the Glasgow Airport Rail Link are underway elsewhere in Renfrewshire.

SPT has begun work to replace the 11 St James Park playing fields which will be taken out of use when construction of the viaduct crossing gets started.

Replacement pitches and associated facilities will be made available at seven sites near Paisley. The creation of temporary pitches is a key element of the project and allows engineers to get on site at St James Park to build the new rail link.

Cumbernauld-based Souters Sports Ltd won the £1.5million contract to provide temporary pitches, changing and parking facilities and ground work has begun.

SPT Chair Councillor Alistair Watson welcomed the progress: “This is the first step towards providing league standard temporary football facilities across Renfrewshire, while work to construct the viaduct at St James Playing Fields is taking place.

“These pitches will replace those taken out of use during the construction phase. Work needs to be done now to let them bed down for around a year before play can start.”

End of story.

Study suggests Maglev could be best high speed option.

SPT Chair Councillor Alistair Watson believes that Maglev technology could be the best way to provide a high-speed rail link between Edinburgh and Glasgow.

Maglev trains operate through magnetic levitation, and can reach speeds of up to 311 mph. That would potentially deliver a journey time of 15 minutes between the two cities.

The trains work by levitating before departure so that they float 1 cm above the railway on an electro-magnetic cushion. A rolling wave of electricity then propels the Maglev to 125 mph just one minute after departure.

Maglev trains have been in use in China since 2004. There are current proposals for their introduction in Germany and on several major city routes in the USA.

SPT Chair Councillor Alistair Watson said: “Currently, the fastest journey between Edinburgh and Glasgow takes 50 minutes. In my opinion, we need a high speed rail link between Scotland’s two largest cities to meet the demands of modern society.

“I believe this kind of bold investment to move our transport infrastructure into the 21st century and beyond would pay dividends. Look at what the Channel Tunnel has delivered for the UK economy.”

In February 2006, SPT commissioned a study to look at possible solutions for a high-speed rail link between the two cities.

The findings of the study concluded that Maglev is one of only two options considered that would create a journey time of 30 minutes or less between the two cities. The other option would involve building two tunnels in Edinburgh and Glasgow at a cost of £2.4 billion. The first tunnel into Edinburgh Waverley would cost £1.3 billion, with a second tunnel running from Carmyle to Glasgow city centre at a cost of around £1.1 billion.

After seeing the results, Councillor Watson said: “The conventional options identified in the study, which are lower in cost, only take minutes off the journey time from Glasgow to Edinburgh or involve huge reconstruction costs to get the journey anywhere near 30 minutes. With the promoters of the Maglev system in the UK claiming their system can provide a journey time between Glasgow and Edinburgh of 15 minutes, I think it’s time to look at that case in detail.

“Such a high-speed link between Glasgow and Edinburgh would transform the future growth potential of their economies and of Scotland’s economy as a whole.”

Other options highlighted in the study looked at how existing rail routes between Glasgow-Shotts-Edinburgh Waverley and Glasgow-Carstairs-Edinburgh Waverley could be improved.

Upgrading the current Shotts line was investigated. This would cost an estimated £221 million and would involve electrifying the route and building a dynamic loop. It would achieve, at best, a 47 minute journey time between the two cities.

Similarly, improving the existing Carstairs line by realigning the curve at Carstairs Junction would cost approximately £200 million and result in an approximate journey time of 46 minutes.

One final option identified was to upgrade signalling and lines between Carmyle and Glasgow Central. This would cost £225 million. Combined with new track and signalling between Wester Hailes and Carmyle - at a cost of £1.26 billion - it would not result in major improvement in the service.

SPT has agreed to further investigation of the major options identified in this study. The Partnership has agreed to put money, with others, for first stage costs.

End of story.

Campaign for Crossrail Glasgow gathers support.

In March, SPT - along with a number of business leaders and politicians - launched a new Crossrail Glasgow campaign. SPT Chair Councillor Alistair Watson was joined at the launch by Dr Lesley Sawers, Chief Executive of Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, and Bill Butler MSP outside the Mercat building at Glasgow Cross. The Mercat building would become a new station should Crossrail get the go-ahead.

The purpose of the new campaign is to inform business and leisure travellers of SPT’s Crossrail proposals, which are gathering a significant amount of support.

The Crossrail scheme would join up the north and south Strathclyde rail networks, creating a crossing over the Clyde and opening up a huge range of new rail connections across Scotland. Crossrail will make it possible for people to travel from Edinburgh and the north of Scotland direct to Ayrshire, Inverclyde and Glasgow Airport without having to change trains.

At the launch, Councillor Watson said: “SPT is in the business of expanding the rail network. Crossrail opens up the whole railway network to the west of Scotland and the greater Glasgow area and - once the new rail link is completed - to Glasgow Airport. This taps into the vast potential rail market in Ayrshire and creates the opportunity for far more direct rail journeys.

“Crossrail's importance goes beyond Glasgow's boundaries. It is strategically the most important project in Scotland. It gives us the railway equivalent of the M77 and the M8.”

The latest estimates show the Crossrail Glasgow project would cost around £130 million to £150 million to implement, a modest figure for a scheme which would provide such effective results. The link could also be completed by 2012 making it an important contribution to Glasgow's 2014 Commonwealth Games transport provision.

As well as the link over the Clyde, the plans include three new stations at Glasgow Cross, the Gorbals and at West Street Subway, investing in better signalling and electrifying rail services for faster journey times and increased reliability.

Dr Sawers believes that Crossrail would boost the local economy significantly. After examining the proposals, she said: “Crossrail is essential to keep Glasgow competitive and to ensure that the transport structure is in place to support Glasgow and the west of Scotland’s ambitious growth plans. Glasgow’s financial sector is growing and the regeneration of the Clyde waterfront is moving at a fast pace. However, Glasgow will fail to capture the benefits of regeneration if we don’t have a transport system in place that makes travel with the south west, north and east easier and quicker.”

Already politicians from across the political parties have agreed to support the proposals. Over 50 MSPs and councillors have signed up, including Sir Menzies Campbell MP, Nicola Sturgeon MSP, Bill Butler MSP, and John Scott MSP.

Members of the public are also able to find out more about the scheme and sign up to support Crossrail at a new website, www.crossrailglasgow.com. To date over 600 individuals have backed the campaign.

End of story

SPT unveils Subway trains to ‘Back the Bid’.

Strathclyde Partnership for Transport has revealed the first of its Subway trains to feature colourful new Glasgow 2014 branding.

Sports presenter Dougie Donnelly and Scottish swimming champion Todd Cooper unveiled the first two newly-wrapped carriages at Shields Road Subway station in April. The carriages have been wrapped in ‘Back the Bid’ livery to support Glasgow’s bid to host the 2014 Commonwealth Games.

They are the first of eight trailer cars to be wrapped in the distinctive vinyl. Each one features a giant image of Todd in action and will form the middle section of a Subway train.

Dougie Donnelly said: “The Subway is the heart of the Glasgow transport system. It will play a crucial role in transporting athletes and spectators around the city if our bid is successful.

“Opportunities to host major sporting events like the Commonwealth Games don’t come along very often for us here in Scotland. To win this bid we need support from all corners of the country.

“These trains looks fantastic and, with others on the way, they will certainly catch the attention of all Subway users.”

SPT Subway boss David Wallace added: “We are committed to the ‘Back the Bid’ campaign and we’re delighted to be involved. Fingers crossed we can be part of a successful bid. If so, Glasgow will need to gear up to ensure we have the best possible transport system for everyone involved and SPT looks forward to playing its part in that.

“The Commonwealth Games would not only be a world-class event for the city but would also leave a lasting transport legacy that the travelling public could enjoy for years to come.”

Reflecting on the giant images of himself, Todd Cooper, said: “Winning bronze in the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne is the highlight of my career so far, but I can’t think of anything more inspiring than competing in Glasgow in front of a passionate home crowd.

“Scots everywhere have already pledged their support for turning this dream into a reality, and as these colourful trains travel all round Glasgow I’m sure they’ll encour­age even more people to ‘Back the Bid’.

“It’s an honour to represent Scotland and an honour to be chosen to feature on this train. I hope it will encourage even more people to take up sport - with a little encouragement we could win even more medals during the spectacle that will be Glasgow 2014.”

At the unveiling ceremony, aspiring athletes from the Glasgow School of Sport welcomed the trains into the station.

End of story.

SPT joins up journeys to the Big Match.

SPT played a crucial role in the UEFA Cup Final at Hampden by helping around 8,000 fans get to and from the big match.

Working in partnership with Glasgow City Council and First Glasgow, SPT provided free buses to take neutral fans to the game. Under UEFA rules, both finalists - Sevilla FC and RCD Espanyol - were required to provide transport for their own supporters.

A shuttle service involving 30 buses took around 8,000 fans from Buchanan bus station to Hampden and back again after the match.

First Glasgow also stepped in at the last minute to take a number of fans to Glasgow Airport, Prestwick Airport and Edinburgh Airport to catch their flights home.

Assistant Chief Executive of SPT, Gordon Maclennan, said: “When Glasgow is hosting large events such as the UEFA Cup Final, it’s vital that our transport system is as efficient as possible.

“One of SPT’s core objectives is to get people out of cars and on to public transport. The UEFA Cup Final provided a great opportunity to do that and I’m delighted that so many fans chose to use our free buses.”

End of story.

UEFA Cup on display.

SPT Chair Councillor Alistair Watson got his hands on the UEFA Cup while it was on display at Buchanan bus station.

The famous trophy spent a week in the bus station as part of its tour of Glasgow in the weeks before the cup final at Hampden.

The event was arranged through partnership working with UEFA and Glasgow City Council.

End of story.

SPT plays its part in Womens 10k success.

Nearly one in four runners in the Resolution Asset Management Women's 10k race on 13 May chose to travel to the event by public transport. Figures gathered by SPT showed that its initiative to join up journeys to the start line on the south side of Glasgow proved a big hit with runners and their companions.

Of the 14,000 competitors, almost 5,000 took advantage of SPT's free Subway, shuttle bus and parking offer. The city's Subway system opened two hours earlier than a normal Sunday morning to get competitors from across the city to the start line.

Working in partnership with First Glasgow, SPT arranged for dedicated race shuttle buses to operate continuously from two departure points - Cochrane Street, off George Square, and Shields Road Subway station - to the start and back again from the finish. At one point, extras buses were drafted in and 19 buses were operating the special race shuttle services.

SPT's multi storey car park at Shields Road was also busier than usual for a Sunday, with 500 vehicles parked for the duration of the race.

SPT Assistant Chief Executive Gordon Maclennan said: “We're delighted that SPT was able to join up journeys to the Womens 10K for such a significant number of competitors. It's a first for us and its success is down to partnership working, with the race organisers and First Glasgow.

“It was a particularly busy day for our Subway staff, with the race and then later on, football fans making their way to Ibrox Stadium for the match between Rangers and Kilmarnock. They pulled out all the stops and showed that the Subway system is a real asset to the city.”

End of story.

SPT calls for flexi-buses for Strathclyde.

SPT Chair Alistair Watson is calling for the introduction of new multi-purpose buses that he believes could make better use of public money.

The adaptable, low emission vehicles are built by Falkirk-based Alexander Dennis Limited and have been designed for multi-purpose use. They have modern, functional interiors and a simple “clink click” seating arrangement that enables space to be created almost instantly for numerous wheelchair users.

Although they are used elsewhere in Britain, the buses have not yet been introduced in Strathclyde, but Cllr Alistair Watson is convinced they could help make taxpayers’ money go further.

He said: “The best thing about these buses is their on-board flexibility. They can be used for the school run in the morning as they are fully equipped with seatbelts and meet all safety requirements. Then, later in the day, they can be used for a different purpose and, if required, extra space can be created to accommodate wheelchair users or passengers with prams.

“Instead of using several buses to meet the needs of various user groups, we could potentially use one flexi-bus for them all just by changing the seating layout.

“This means that you could potentially save money by using fewer vehicles.”

He added, “We would like to work with Alexander Dennis to deliver a more flexible approach to bus provision. This kind of vehicle is where we see the future of bus transport in Strathclyde.”

Councillor Watson invited other Strathclyde Councillors to judge for themselves as two of the buses went on display in Glasgow’s George Square in May.

The vehicles can carry a maximum of 60 passengers and are designed to comply with requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA). They are unique in being able to operate as free, school run or welfare vehicles, but also able to take passengers on fare paying journeys.

End of story.

SPT contributes £2m to bus services.

In April, SPT agreed to spend more than £2 million improving bus services across the west of Scotland.

And Chair Alistair Watson says he is committed to working with private bus operators and local authorities to ensure the standard of bus provision in Strathclyde continues to improve.

Along with local authority funding, SPT’s £2 million will be used to fund new services, renew existing services and extend routes throughout the SPT area.

Councillor Watson said: “Some people would be cut off from public transport if it wasn’t for SPT and local authority funding. I’m delighted we can provide these services but I’m afraid we have limited funds. We simply can’t afford to subsidise all the routes that private operators choose not to serve.

“That’s why we plan to work closely with bus operators and our local authority partners to come up with a solution which will provide Strathclyde with a first-class bus system.”

End of story.

Subway contract with British Transport Police approved.

Following the success of the pilot scheme to introduce British Transport Police (BTP) Officers to patrol Glasgow's Subway system, SPT has reached agreement with BTP to make the arrangement permanent.

During the three month trial, two BTP Officers were deployed on day to day Subway policing duties. Their daily presence offered public reassurance for all Subway users and the experiment was warmly welcomed by passengers and staff alike.

The BTP Officers dealt with the full range of police activities including maintaining law and order, crowd control, crime prevention advice and public safety.

SPT's Head of Security, Donnie MacLeod, welcomed the decision to enter into a permanent Police Services Agreement with BTP: “Passenger safety remains our top priority. Often the fear of crime is much greater than the actual reality so by having BTP Officers policing the system on a daily basis, we are providing visible and effective reassurance to our passengers.”

Superintendent Ronnie Mellis, area commander for British Transport Police in Scotland added: “The trial period went extremely well and we are pleased that we will now be working with SPT on a permanent basis. BTP is experienced at policing this environment and our officers bring a wealth of skills and experience to the Glasgow Subway.

“BTP will not tolerate crime and disorder on the rail network and we will continue to work closely with SPT and colleagues from Strathclyde Police to ensure the safety of staff and passengers.”

End of story.

Scotland’s largest Park and Ride car park wins safety award.

The 800-space multi story car park at Shields Road is the first SPT car park at a Subway station to be awarded the prestigious Park Mark Safer Parking Award by Strathclyde Police.

Following a detailed inspection of the measures in place to deter criminal activity and anti-social behaviour, Strathclyde Police officers were satisfied the car park met the exacting standards required to receive Park Mark accreditation.

At the presentation ceremony, Superintendent Mike Dean said: “We fully support the Park Mark Awards and Safer Parking Initiative and encourage all operators to join the scheme.

“Statistics show there is a reduction in crime in accredited car parks. Shields Road was previously a hot spot for vehicle crime prior to the opening of the new car park. Crime is no longer an issue at this car park. For personal and vehicle safety, we always recommend drivers choose car parks with Park Mark accreditation.”

SPT Head of Security, Donnie MacLeod explained: ”Security considerations were top of the list when the car park was at the design stage. It has full CCTV coverage, is staffed at all times and is well lit throughout.

“It’s vital that we provide a safe environment for car park users so they feel comfortable leaving and picking up their cars at all times. We know this is especially important for women drivers.”

End of story.

MV Seabus sets sail from Kilcreggan.

New vessel for the Gourock-Kilcreggan-Helensburgh service.

The new purpose built vessel for the Gourock-Kilcreggan-Helensburgh ferry service was officially named MV Seabus by SPT Chair Councillor Alistair Watson and Captain Archie Munro, Managing Director of Clyde Marine Services Ltd during a short ceremony at Kilcreggan Pier, before entering service on 1 April 2007.

The MV Seabus is a new generation ferry, designed specifically for this route. She is fully wheelchair accessible and fitted with audio visual systems to provide real time journey information for people with sight or hearing difficulties.

She boasts a spacious lounge, which provides seating for 82 passengers, and low level windows to ensure all round views during the crossing.

MV Seabus is the latest addition to the Clyde Marine fleet. The company was recently awarded a £1.5 million contract by SPT to operate the ferry service for a period of five years from 1 April 2007.

The service provides a vital link for residents and commuters on the Rosneath Peninsula, with a crossing time of just 25 minutes to Gourock and less than 15 minutes from Kilcreggan to Helensburgh.

The ferry timetable is designed to ensure journeys are integrated with train arrival and departure times. It offers 13 crossings in both directions daily, starting at 0700 until 1932 hrs.

During the short naming ceremony SPT Chair Councillor Alistair Watson said: “We’re constantly working with partner organisations to improve public transport links across the west of Scotland.

“I’m delighted that by working in partnership with Clyde Marine we’re able to deliver improved levels of customer service for passengers on this vital crossing.”

Captain Archie Munro, Managing Director of Clyde Marine Services Ltd said: ”Our investment in this new vessel is clear evidence of our faith in the improvement and development of passenger ferries in the Clyde area.

“The Seabus has been built to the latest EU Directives and we are confident she will provide a greatly improved travel experience for all users of the Gourock-Kilcreggan-Helensburgh service.”

MV Seabus was built by the Voyager Boatyard, Millbrook, near Plymouth. She measures 19.5 metres long by 6.2 metres wide and is powered by two 180 horse­power Gardner diesel engines. She is designed to carry a total of 100 passengers.

She replaces the veteran MV Kenilworth, now 71 years old, which carried over 2.1 million passengers during her 28 years of operation, clocking up 750,000 nautical miles.

End of story.

SPT launches new Nightrider service.

Glasgow’s revellers and shift­workers now have a new way of getting home throughout the night - SPT’s Subway Nightrider Service.

The Nightrider was launched in April to operate after the Subway closes at weekends. It runs from 11.40pm on Friday and Saturday nights until the Subway re-opens the next morning. On Sundays, it operates from 6pm until midnight.

Six buses provide clockwise and anti-clockwise journeys every 20 minutes along the route of the Subway circle. The buses stop at each Subway station, just like the underground system.

SPT awarded the contract for Nightrider to First Bus who will operate the service for 15 months at a cost of £296,303. All vehicles used are fully accessible to wheelchair users and are equipped with CCTV cameras.

SPT’s Assistant Chief Executive Gordon Maclennan said: “We knew there was a demand for better late night public transport in Glasgow, particularly for people trying to get home after a night out.

“We believe the Subway Nightrider will help support Glasgow’s thriving nightlife by offering a greater choice of transport across the city overnight. It will also benefit shiftworkers making their way to work for an early start.

“It means there will now be round-the-clock public transport in the city at weekends as it bridges the gap between the Subway closing at night and re-opening the next morning.”

End of story.

Regional transport interchanges across Strathclyde.

Public opinion sought on Hamilton proposals.

As work continues to develop proposals for a modern public transport interchange in Hamilton, SPT’s project consultants, Jacobs Engineering Group Ltd set up a public display to outline early thoughts. The initial design concepts were put on display for a fortnight at the station ticket office and at SPT’s Travel Centre in Hamilton.

The final design will transform Hamilton Central into a modern public transport interchange and will include a new station building with rail ticket office, more comfortable waiting areas and SPT Travel Information. Work will also be carried out to develop a drive-in drive-out bus station layout and the needs of disabled passengers will be a priority.

SPT Vice Chair and South Lanarkshire Councillor Davie McLachlan was encouraged by the public reaction to the early plans saying: ”Although the proposals are still at an early stage, this was a great chance for the public to have their say and the views expressed have now been fed back to our consultants.

“We’ll be doing our level best to accommodate the ideas into the new interchange which is going to play a crucial part in supporting the economic regeneration of Lanarkshire.”

Gateway Motherwell.

SPT is working with North Lanarkshire Council officials to finalise an outline design to transform Motherwell Station and complete the town centre ring road.

Motherwell Station is a key location in the public transport network and rail industry operations. It serves as a major rail station for both local and longer distance trains. It also provides interchange opportunities between rail, bus and taxi services.

The space currently available is pushed to accommodate buses, cars, pedestrians and cyclists and the standard of comfort in waiting areas is poor. With the planned redevelopment of the Ravenscraig area likely to increase traffic in the town, plans are being made to build a new station and a two storey Park and Ride facility. The bigger car park will support the town’s economic regeneration by as much £45 million over the next 60 years, simply by making more spaces available for shoppers.

Gourock plans move forward.

Following direct ministerial intervention in 2006, agreement was finally reached in January to take plans forward for a new Gourock Interchange. They will transform public transport journeys in Inverclyde by providing a one-stop centre to link bus, ferry and rail services.

The project will play a key role in the proposed Waterfront Regeneration which will see the provision of a new marina, 100-bedroom hotel, homes, leisure and business opportunities. These facilities will boost tourism and aid plans for Inverclyde’s economic regeneration.

A joint project team was created, led by Transport Scotland and supported by Inverclyde Council, SPT, First ScotRail and Network Rail. Construction is expected to start by the end of the year, subject to planning and further local consultation.

SPT Chair Alistair Watson said: ”This is a vital development for the area. It’s taken a long time to get to this point but we can now look forward to a £20 million Interchange. This project is in line with SPT’s policy of joining up journeys and we’ll be investing £1.5 million to make these plans a reality.”

Work on Partick back on track.

Contractors are back on site at Partick and work continues at pace towards the completion of the new ticket office. The project was temporarily halted over the festive period due to design complexities and planning approvals.

SPT and contractor C Spencer Ltd have worked hard to minimise the effect of the delay and the project is now expected to be complete by spring 2008. As previously reported, the estimated cost of rebuilding Partick has risen from £9.7 million to £10.5 million. This figure remains well within the budget estimate of £12.7 million.

SPT Chair Councillor Alistair Watson said: ”We always knew this would be a technically challenging project. The construction work is over 106 year old Subway tunnels with services running normally and maintaining the suburban railway station.

“I would once again like to thank Partick residents for their continued patience and forbearance during this project. The end result will be a quality public transport interchange - a flagship station for Glasgow’s west end - and SPT will deliver it.”

End of story.

SPT trials new bus information system.

In March, SPT agreed to trial a state-of-the-art passenger information system on a Glasgow bus service. The on-bus audio-visual passenger information system will be installed on the SPT-funded Service 329 (Stobhill Hospital - Glasgow city centre) in July.

The technology is being installed as part of SPT’s responsibilities under the Disability Discrimination Act. The audio-visual information system will be of benefit to passengers with sight or hearing impair­ment. Information will be seen and heard via a flat screen colour monitor on board the bus.

As well as providing general timetable information, the technology can update passengers about the location of the next bus stop using Global Positioning System technology. It can also be used to provide route maps and display promotional materials.

Chair of SPT, Councillor Alistair Watson, said: “Our goal is to make sure that public transport is accessible to all, and this trial takes one more step towards that. Our drive to provide better facilities for passengers will continue apace. New technology like this must be embraced because we need to provide a transport system that reflects modern society.”

End of story.

Helping staff reduce their carbon footprint.

SPT’S Staff Travel Plan hit the road at the Broomloan Subway maintenance depot with the introduction of new cycle shelters. Staff will now be able to cycle to work and park their bikes securely, thanks to the installation of these shelters.

This move is just one of a number of initiatives being developed by SPT to encourage staff to think about sustainable travel to work that could deliver health improvements. Staff Travel Plans form an integral part of the draft Regional Transport Strategy submitted to the Scottish Executive on 30 March.

The results of SPT’s staff travel survey showed an impressive 66% of staff already use public transport to travel to work - the Scottish average is 16%. The survey also identified measures that would encourage less dependence on the car and how to improve facilities for walkers and cyclists.

As a result, SPT has also installed cycle lockers at the Renfrew Ferry and Consort House. All staff received a personal copy of a Travel Plan Pocket Guide to encourage them to think about their travel behaviour.

The winning entry in the staff competition for the guide’s strapline “A wiser way to start your day!” came from Transport Planner, Gregor Whyte. The reputed health benefits of a glass of red wine daily are well known, so Assistant Chief Executive Gordon Maclennan presented Gregor with his prize - a bottle of the more palatable medicine!

End of story.

End of Issue 15.

Note: you can send feedback to Interchange, Communications Team, SPT, Consort House, 12 West George Street, Glasgow, G2 1HN.

email: interchange@spt.co.uk