28 September 2005

New boost to Glasgow rail network as Kelvindale opens

Strathclyde Passenger Transport opens third new station in four years

The latest stage in the ongoing development of Strathclyde’s public transport network was unveiled earlier today (Wednesday 28 September) with the official opening of the new Kelvindale railway station in Glasgow’s west end.

Glasgow Anniesland MSP, Bill Butler and Strathclyde Passenger Transport Authority (SPT) Chair, Councillor Alistair Watson, opened the new facility which represents the completion of SPT’s third new station in the last four years.

The opening of Kelvindale is the first stage in what will be a £35 million improvement programme under the Larkhall – Milngavie project, which in addition to the extension of the Northern Suburban Line, will see Larkhall restored to the rail network later this year.

Sited at the junction of Temple Road and Dalsholm Road, the new station will allow passengers to travel between Kelvindale and Glasgow city centre in just 16 minutes. In addition, a mile of new track has also been laid to connect the station to Anniesland, allowing passengers to change to the north electric line and rail services to the west.

Bill Butler MSP said he was pleased that the Kelvindale area would now have access to a fast and environmentally friendly mode of public transport.

Opening the new station by unveiling a plaque, Mr Butler said, "This new station and half hourly service to and from the city centre will provide a much better transport network for the Kelvindale and Anniesland areas. Previously people in Kelvindale had limited options for travel to the city and now they have a fast and direct route with reliable timings by avoiding congested roads.

"People in Anniesland now also have two extra trains an hour, meaning a total of six trains an hour to the city centre and creating a turn-up and go service."

Councillor Watson said the completion of Kelvindale was ahead of schedule and further emphasised the commitment of SPT and its partner organisations to improving the public transport service in and around the city while at the same time increasing access to the service.

"By opening the new station at Kelvindale, we have reinstated a passenger service in part of the west end that has not had one since before the First World War," he added.

"This stretch of line has been closed for 25 years and prior to that only operated as a freight line. Now, the people of Kelvindale will have an abundance of choice as to how they travel to and from the city centre by public transport.

"We are committed to the ongoing improvement of our services and the opening of this station, hot on the heels of the May opening of the new station at Gartcosh is a clear indication of the level of investment being made on the rail network."

Fares between Kelvindale and Glasgow Queen Street are:

• Standard Day Single - £1.65
• Standard Day Return - £2.70
• Cheap Day Return - £1.75
• Weekly Season Ticket - £9.80

Strathclyde Passenger Transport has worked closely with Network Rail and First ScotRail on the Kelvindale project and the new station has been designed to provide access for all with help points on the platform, passenger shelter and seating.

It also has full CCTV coverage of the station, cycle hoops and a public address system for up-to-the minute information.

Andy Mellors, First ScotRail’s deputy managing director said, "As part of our franchise commitment we are continually looking at ways to improve our services across Scotland. Kelvindale is the second station to open since the start of the franchise and we are very pleased to be able to offer a convenient, frequent and fast alternative to the daily car journey into the city centre."

Ron McAulay, Network Rail Director, Scotland, said, "The opening of the Northern Suburban Line marks the completion of stage one of a very exciting scheme for Scotland. As project managers, we are delighted to have delivered it on budget and ahead of schedule.

"This line will offer real benefits to the people of Glasgow and is part of our ongoing commitment to the future of Scotland’s railways."

ends