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Transport Minister open to
Subway talks
December, 2009
Scotland's Transport Minister Stewart Stevenson wants to engage with SPT on proposals to modernise the Subway in Glasgow.
Speaking at the recent SNP Conference in Inverness, the Minister added that he looked forward to further discussions on Fastlink, SPT's Bus Rapid Transit proposal.
Mr Stevenson took part in a Fringe event at the conference, based around the BBC's Dragons' Den TV show.
Five organisations made a pitch on what they believed to be the best transport solution to help get Scotland to work and SPT Chairman Alistair Watson set out the case for Subway modernisation.
His pitch received unanimous support from the panel, and a strong show of support from the 60-strong audience, but narrowly lost out to “High Speed Rail to Scotland”.
Speaking afterwards, the Transport Minister - and Dragon for the day - said: “There aren't many Subways in cities in the UK. Glasgow is one and the foresight of our Victorian ancestors provided that for us. The system is creaking at the seams and it certainly needs to be looked at.
“It provides safe, rapid and reliable transport around the centre of Glasgow so I look forward to engaging with SPT on proposals to develop that system."
His views were echoed by Finance Secretary John Swinney, who said the Scottish Government was very positive about SPT's plans to modernise the Subway.
Mr Swinney added that the Fastlink proposal has great potential to deliver the cross-city connections that are required for the Commonwealth Games.
Chairman Alistair Watson was delighted with the support SPT received at the conference.
He said: "As soon as you explain to people what the Subway modernisation project is all about, they do understand that it makes sense. We need to continue dialogue with the Government and prove to them that the investment we are asking them to make is well worthwhile.
"We've always said that we wanted to promote Fastlink on its own terms and own merits. I'm delighted with the Government's endorsement of our proposals for Fastlink. What we want now is to sit down and see how it can be delivered."
