21 January 2008
Crossrail study shows big benefits
New research has revealed the potential benefits of the Glasgow Crossrail project to passengers and the Scottish economy.
The report, carried out for SPT by internationally renowned transport consultants, has predicted that more than four million passengers would access proposed new stations at Glasgow Cross, Gorbals and West Street.
Consultants Faber Maunsell also suggest that Crossrail, which would link the rail lines serving Glasgow Central and Queen Street stations, would add £1.06bn to the Scottish economy over a costed 60-year period.
These findings give further credence to SPT's call for the missing link in the national transport network to be included in the major Strategic Transport Projects Review for Scotland.
A technical appraisal of the project was carried out in 2005 and put the cost at between £115m and £187m.
The scheme would make Glasgow Cross - the historic Mercat Building - the fourth busiest station in the Scottish rail network.
Glasgow Cross would become a potential ‘hub’ of the interchange.
The scheme would involve laying just under 2km of new track to connect the rail lines in the north and south of the city and an upgrade and restoration of 3.5km of track.
SPT Chair Alistair Watson said: "SPT has argued the case for Crossrail for a long long time.
"Now it’s not just us insisting that Crossrail is a go-er.
"Our claims are backed by this independent study produced by one of the railway’s most respected consultants.
"Crossrail is worth the money for Glasgow and Scotland. It wouldn’t cost hundreds of millions and would be a vital addition to the regeneration of the city’s East End.
"By any standards that’s an impressive hat-trick of wins."
ends