25 January 2008
SPT calls to make Crossrail Glasgow a priority
A new report, which backs SPT's bid to make Crossrail Glasgow a reality, has been approved by the organisation.
SPT members agreed that the positive research will encourage their partners Transport Scotland and Network Rail to make it a transport priority.
The findings add to SPT's recognised calls for Crossrail to be included in the Government's Strategic Transport Projects Review which is due to be delivered this summer.
The new research from SPT indicates that more than four million passengers are predicted to use new stations at West Street, Gorbals and Glasgow Cross if Crossrail Glasgow becomes a reality.
More than three million passengers would use the Glasgow Cross station at High Street alone, making it a potential 'hub' of the interchange. It could become one of the top four busiest stations in Scotland.
Figures from the research study, carried out by Faber Maunsell, suggest that Crossrail would add £1.06bn to the Scottish economy over the costed period of 60 years.
SPT Chair Alistair Watson is convinced the research study proves beyond doubt that the project is viable and he is calling for it to be reconsidered as a strategic national priority.
He 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 now 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."
A technical appraisal of the project was carried out in 2005 and put the cost at between £115m and £187m.
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