6 June 2005

Shields Road park and ride to be expanded

South side commuters will soon be able to cut out the busy Kingston Bridge altogether and jump on the Subway at Shields Road, thanks to a £4.7m investment to double the number of car parking spaces at the station.

Shields Road is a major strategic point in the west of Scotland motorway network, situated at the junction of the M8, M77 and eventually, the northern extension of the M74. The construction of a multi storey car park, adjacent to the existing station building and some alterations to the remaining car parking space will deliver Scotland's largest Park and Ride facility with space for 817 cars.

The new facility is planned as part of an integrated project that includes variable message signs on the M77 and cycle access. Commuters will be able to use existing Subway services offering trains every three minutes at peak times.

The project is being undertaken in partnership with funding from SPT, Glasgow City Council and The Scottish Executive.

SPT Chair, Alistair Watson, said: "This is an important development in the transport network and is part of a wider strategy aimed at linking all modes of transport in the area, including cycleways.

"This should encourage the travelling public to take advantage of our ever-increasing network of accessible public transport as well as re-affirming our commitment to an effective transport system which meets the needs of everyone in the Strathclyde region."

Councillor William O'Rourke, convener of Glasgow City Council's Land Services Committee said: "Park and Ride is a key objective in our strategy to reduce car journeys in and around Glasgow, so I welcome this work to double the number of spaces at Shields Road."

ends