10 September 2007
Proposal for SPT to manage new bus station.
Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT) has reached agreement in principle to take over the management of the bus station at the new Silverburn Retail Complex in Pollok.
The proposal will be discussed by SPT members at a meeting on Friday (14 September). If agreed, SPT will enter into a partnership with the developer of the shopping complex, Retail Property Holdings (RPH).
SPT Chair, Councillor Alistair Watson, said: “If this proposal is agreed, it’s marvellous news. One of our main aims is to encourage people to use public transport rather than their cars. I hope shoppers will take advantage of the fact that they have a brand new bus station right next to the retail park.
Cllr Watson has also reassured passengers that, under SPT management, bus operators will be obliged to provide an efficient service to and from the bus station at all times.
He added: “SPT is committed to ensuring that bus operators do exactly what they should be doing. The last thing passengers at Silverburn Bus Station need is bus wars – we will ensure that there are well-organised, efficient bus services available for people visiting the shopping centre.”
The new retail complex is due to open in October 2007. During the planning and design phase, SPT worked closely with RPH to secure a suitable bus facility.
The new bus station will have upgraded passenger facilities including improved passenger information, new bus shelter infrastructure and enhanced security.
ends
Note to editors
- SPT currently operates and manages Buchanan bus station, Hamilton bus station and East Kilbride bus station which handle around 16 million passengers a year.
- SPT recently announced that it has reached an agreement with Renfrewshire Council to provide bus wardens to enforce current bus regulations in Paisley town centre. It is hope that this scheme will extend to other councils in the west of Scotland in the near future.
- The proposal for SPT to manage Silverburn bus station will be discussed at SPT’s Operations Committee on Friday 14 September.