15 February 2008
Transport study enters final phase
SPT is set to begin the final stage of a vital study into the west of Scotland’s public transport system.
The West of Scotland Conurbation Public Transport Study (WSCPTS) has been looking at parts of Strathclyde which have the potential to integrate many different existing modes of transport including Subway, bus and heavy rail.
In addition, the study has been assessing the possibility of integrating new modes of transport such as Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) into the existing network.
Following completion of the first and second phases of the study, SPT has now agreed to award a contract worth £474,890 to MVA Consultancy to carry out the third and final phase.
This will look in detail at the potential to improve public transport over the next 25 years by expanding and integrating the existing network.
The study is expected to be finished by Spring 2009.
Assistant Chief Executive, John Halliday, said: “We want to develop plans that are deliverable, affordable and realistic and this study is key to our efforts to improve transport in the region.
"The first two phases established the objectives and completed the initial work necessary to direct our efforts towards the core problems.
"We want this study, phase three, to come out with a raft of proposals that could make a real difference for people in this part of Scotland.”
Mr Halliday said the final phase would look in more detail at travel patterns in the area and the potential for greater integration and more efficient public transport
He added: "The study will look into problem areas and investigate issues such as congestion and the provision of Park and Ride facilities and transport interchanges.
“We want to look at what we’ve got, build on the strengths and improve on the weaknesses.”
The study objectives meet those detailed in SPT’s draft Regional Transport Strategy.
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