A METRO system could finally become a reality for Glasgow after SNP ministers included the long-awaited project in a 20-year strategy – described as “absolutely transformational” for the city.
The Scottish Government’s plan to revolutionize transport over the next two decades also includes an investigation into the potential replacement of some of Scotland’s struggling island ferry routes with bridges or tunnels.
The first phase of the SNP government’s transport strategy delivered major projects like the Queensferry Crossing.
Transport Secretary Michael Matheson announced dozens of recommendations as part of the SNP government’s second Strategic Transport Projects Review (STPR2) and insisted the metro project could be ‘absolutely transformative for communities of Glasgow”.
The Clyde Metro project will likely be a combination of light rail and heavy metro.
When completed, the Clyde Metro will have a larger footprint than Manchester‘s Metrolink – stretching as far south as East Kilbride and Newton Mearns.
It is believed that up to £15bn of investment will be required and the whole project could take up to 30 years to complete.
A small overview of #ClydeMetro, an existing light metro, heavy rail combo converted to existing metro + heavy rail, all connected. A larger footprint even than Manchester’s Metrolink, the nearest UK equivalent. Up to £15billion investment for Glasgow over the next 20 years https://t.co/koK2aZcuTA pic.twitter.com/PaejJiSS7l
— Susan Aitken (@SusaninLangside) January 20, 2022
The strategy also includes a transit system for Edinburgh and the south east of Scotland, which could include further tram extensions and a rapid transit system for Aberdeen.
Improvements will also be made to the A77 and A75, but Mr Matheson stressed that the SNP Government will ‘no longer plan and deliver road infrastructure for unconstrained growth in private car use “.
The plan also includes “investigation of some potential fixed links (bridges or tunnels) at Sounds of Harris and Barra, and between Mull and the Scottish mainland”.
The strategy recommends “that further work be undertaken on business cases to better understand the benefits, costs and challenges.”
It says: “These studies would examine the feasibility of replacing the existing ferry services currently provided by CalMac under the Clyde and Hebrides Ferry Services (CHFS) contract.
“These studies would also identify potential savings associated with public sector subsidies required to operate ferry services and involve input from potentially affected communities.”
Other recommendations include fully decarbonising Scotland’s public transport network, improving active transport infrastructure and developing a net zero freight and logistics network for Scotland.
But concerns have been raised that there is no budget or timeline for any of the projects, with Mr Matheson only able to commit to projects presented within the next 20 years.
The document highlights that a Glasgow city center metro transport system stretching 15km would “target areas where connections are currently poor” and include places “where there is deprivation”.
He adds, “Metro transit systems include one or a combination of bus rapid transit, light rail and metro. These options would complement the service provided by traditional railways and could include converting existing railways to light rail or metro.
Speaking at Holyrood, Mr Matheson said: ‘The Clyde Underground project represents our multi-billion pound investment which, when completed, could better connect over 1.5 million people from Clydebank to Cambuslang and Easterhouse in East Kilbride.
“For many people in inner-city regions, better access to affordable and reliable public transport has the potential to significantly reduce inequality and improve opportunity.”
Glasgow Labor MP Pauline McNeill has warned of the lack of a timetable to move the metro project forward.
She said: ‘The Glasgow City Region has not had a serious transport project under SNP administration since 2007 when we desperately need one.
READ MORE: Transport review: Struggling ferry routes in Scotland could be replaced by ‘bridges or tunnels’
“The Clyde Metro proposal has no timetable, no serious funding allocated and appears more like a concept and a document than a real tangible transport project.”
Ms McNeill stressed that people in and around Glasgow “have a right to know” when they can expect the project to start.
But Mr Matheson said officials would now ‘put in place the program of work which will be necessary’ to develop Clyde Underground.
He added: ‘It involves working with all the local authorities involved, not just Glasgow… to see how we can take this forward as a strategic multi-year investment programme.’
But Mr Matheson warned he ‘can’t give you a specific timeline’ other than within the 20-year vision.
He added: “I think something like the Clyde Underground could be absolutely transformative for communities in Glasgow, the wider Clyde area – if we do it right.”
Susan Aitken, Leader of Glasgow City Council and Chair of Glasgow Region Cabinet, said the development was “a major step forward in our commitment to creating a modern, sustainable and integrated public transport system for the City of Glasgow and its surrounding metropolitan area. .
She added: “The Metro will be transformational – reducing social and economic inequality, driving economic growth, better connecting peripheral and underserved communities, and incentivizing a large-scale modal shift from the private car to transport. public.
“Over the past few decades, modern rapid transit systems like the Tube are what Glasgow-comparable cities around the world have been busy building. We cannot continue to be left behind.
“More than any other single intervention, Clyde Metro can help create a vibrant, prosperous, inclusive and sustainable urban region, a transport system suited to our position and our international ambitions.”
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