Glasgow Airport metro gets council leader's approval

Plans for a city metro tram network are on the right track, with funding agreed for a link between Paisley and Glasgow Airport.

Glasgow and Renfrewshire councils have agreed funding for a link between Paisley Gilmour Street train station and the airport, while a feasibility study is to be carried out to extend it eastwards into Glasgow.

The metro was first proposed by a commission tasked with improving the city’s infrastructure last April.

Councillor Susan Aitken, leader of Glasgow City Council, said: “The Scottish Government has pledged to work with us on the commission’s recommendations, while Glasgow and Renfrewshire councils will undertake the feasibility work required to ensure it can be considered as a key national project.

“Funding is already in place to deliver a first phase, linking Paisley with Glasgow Airport.”

Scottish Government approval would still be needed but if it goes ahead it would be phase one of a city-wide regional network.

Asked what the potential network could do for Glasgow, Councillor Aitken said it would allow them to “catch up with European competitors”.

She said: “What it would mean is bringing us up to date to catch up with our European competitors, in particular, of whom we are about 40 years behind in transport connectivity here in Glasgow.

“Over the years there’s been various big transport infrastructure projects talked about but they’ve tended not to be based in what the city and what the people of the city really need, which is connectivity between places and employment opportunities, economic opportunities, culture and leisure.”

Reports are now expected to be prepared and put before both Glasgow City and Renfrewshire councils for approval.