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Games chief says
“we’re going by bus”

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

In an exclusive interview for SPT Express, John Scott, Chief Executive of Glasgow 2014, has highlighted bus as the most efficient way of getting athletes and spectators where they need to go and said it was fundamental that bus services run on time.

The chief organiser of the 2014 Commonwealth Games believes Glasgow’s bus network is the key to ensuring the success of the biggest event ever to be hosted in the city.

He said that current bus lanes would be used to give priority access to anyone involved in Commonwealth Games business and added that encouraging people to ditch their cars would be critical.

“Let’s get people on buses so the city centre and the venues in and around the city are not clogged by unnecessary car transport,” he said.

Mr Scott also highlighted Park and Ride as a major tool that would help Games traffic run smoothly.

He said: “It is far better that you put in place big park and ride facilities for those that are coming from out of town. For those that can come by train, you want a link into the bus transport that will take them out to the venue where the sport is taking place.”

And he stressed that fast and efficient airport links would be crucial in creating a great first impression of Glasgow.

Mr Scott said: “The last thing that an athlete who has just travelled half way around the world wants is a slow ride into the city. A combination of the rail link and dedicated bus transport from the airport straight to the athletes’ village in Dalmarnock would be extremely good.

“We are a very athlete focussed games and we will be making sure that the experience that the athletes have is quality from the moment they touch down here in Glasgow.”

Mr Scott said he believed the Games would only run smoothly with an effective public transport system in place.

He revealed that one of his key aims was to beat the number of people who used public transport at the last Games in Manchester in 2002, which was measured at an impressive 80%.

Mr Scott, who was a board member for the Manchester Games, also said his experience there could help ensure Glasgow goes miles better.

He said: “One of the things that was very clear in Manchester, which has a number of similarities to Glasgow in terms of the distribution of different venues, was the importance of having a plan that delivered athletes, VIPs and of course the large number of spectators there on time.

“The big lesson was the importance of the public transport system. Getting rid of the car was fundamental - people had to come through public transport.”

The Games chief also revealed his own fondness for the city itself.

“I love being here,” he said. “We are sitting here in our offices overlooking George Square, which is alive with WinterFest and has a skating rink there that is full every night.

“This is a city that enjoys itself and that is something I want to capture and use when we have the Games here in 2014.”