www.glasgowchamberofcommerce.com 9 CHIEF EXECUTIVE


A 21st century transport infrastructure


Stuart Patrick, Chief Executive chiefexecutive@glasgowchamberofcommerce.com


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any of the economic indicators about our city region have been pleasingly positive of late. We’ve seen Glasgow recognised by CBRE in second place outside London in the UK’s leading technology


cities – leapfrogging our east of Scotland neighbours – and the cranes are finally emerging amid a continuing clamour for modern office space. You may also have heard about the Chamber’s involvement in writing a new business narrative for Glasgow, which presents a more positive picture of our city region’s strength and attributes. However, with the city’s Connectivity Commission


examining our transport infrastructure and issuing its second report in April, there is one long-running saga that still needs sorted: the matter of a direct public transport link between the city and Glasgow Airport. Our airport is a massive dynamo for the city in terms of


visitors – both business and leisure – and also as Scotland’s pre-eminent international air freight hub. There is one fact that we cannot avoid: the growing traffic congestion at peak times on the M8. The Commission has pointed out that the only way to access the airport is by road, be that taxi, car or bus. The congestion, and of course the environmental impact, means the catchment area for getting to the airport in time for your flight becomes smaller. Choices are increasingly made to go elsewhere for the right flight connection. It’s not good for our improving reputation as a place to do business. The most recent suggested solution is a shuttle pod, like the driverless transport between Heathrow Terminal 5 and its business car park, running from the terminal to Paisley Gilmour Street. As a long-term sustainable option, this sticking plaster


approach is not especially convincing. It is hard to see it attracting heavy demand. But there is a germ of something more sustainable here. What if the Gilmour Street plan was the first stage in a dynamic new strategy for the region? What if the time is right to consider a proper Metro system for Glasgow, with links and connections to our existing railway network? Imagine a sleek electric tram system that could connect the advanced manufacturing research centre at Inchinnan, through to Braehead retail centre and to the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital and then on to the city centre. Yes, it might not be the direct line that was first envisaged, but it would be a massive boost for the city. Perhaps the Edinburgh debacle over its trams has put


many people off the idea, but Glasgow can learn from such basic contracting mistakes. A light rail transport system that is carbon neutral and is clean and comfortable must be considered. There are long abandoned railway lines that could be utilised for a Metro, allowing our younger workforce in affordable homes to live within easier reach of their workplaces and leisure activities, and helping disadvantaged districts have greater access to employment. The Connectivity Commission also asks how


Central Station needs to be upgraded if it has any chance of receiving high-speed trains from HS2. There will also be a need to build another tunnel under the Clyde to connect the south of the city with the centre and the north, relieving pressure on a Central Station that is all but full. Across Scotland, there have been some major


infrastructure projects such as the A9 duelling, the Aberdeen peripheral by-pass, and the Forth Crossing. We have been very patient in Glasgow about losing out a decade ago on the Glasgow Airport link. In my view, we have been let down badly. Now it’s Glasgow’s turn to have some 21st century transport infrastructure. Let’s have a Metro for Glasgow.


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