New plan to integrate train and bus services across west of Scotland

Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT) has set out its plans to integrate all forms of transport in the west of Scotland under a new blueprint.

The transport operator said the new plan, which will involve trains, buses, ferries, and Glasgow’s subway, will ensure all transport services “join up seamlessly”.

The plan details that all transport in the West of Scotland will be under coordinated timetables and a new single bus brand, Strathclyde Buses.

SPT also said a new app will be introduced that provides information for all forms of public transport.

The plan states: “It’s time for a single brand – Strathclyde Buses – linking into the rail, ferry, subway and active travel network in every part of the region.

“The network must have coordination in timetabling and an ‘end-to-end journey experience’.”

SPT chairman Dr Martin Bartos has urged local authority leaders in the region to support the plan.

He said: “We all know public transport needs to change and, by improving public transport, we can transform the quality of life for those in our communities as well as tackling the climate, social and economic challenges we all face.

“While many things may divide us, I am very keen that all councils in the SPT area have the opportunity to express their views on our next steps, so that we might unite and swiftly progress the work necessary to deliver better transport for all the people of Strathclyde.”

The plans are backed by Transport Scotland, who say the blueprint aligns with the Scottish Government’s vision.

A spokesman said: “We welcome Strathclyde’s Partnership for Transport’s contribution to the ongoing debate on how best to deliver a smart, integrated and efficient public transport network for the west of Scotland.

“SPT’s ambitions for a fully integrated public transport system across the west of Scotland are very much aligned with Scottish Government’s own vision for transport as set out in the National Transport Strategy.

“Our own, recently published second Strategic Transport Projects Review includes 45 draft recommendations for future transport infrastructure investment including plans for a Clyde Metro and a fully integrated smart ticketing and payment services across all public transport modes.

“We will continue discuss these proposals through our routine cycle of meetings with SPT.”