LIGHT RAIL PROGRESS IN GLASGOW

This article reviews recent progress in planning a future light rail system for Glasgow. In 1992, Strathclyde Regional Council published its consultation brochure Travelling in Strathclyde - An Integrated Transport Policy for the Region. At the same time, Strathclyde Passenger Transport Executive (SPTE) published a Stage 2 Progress Report, giving details of the public transport proposals. Two possibilities for breaking the trend towards growing urban road congestion were tested. It was concluded that public transport must be improved and major problems outside the centre must also be addressed. In 1990, the most significant element in the favoured public transport option was a partially segregated light rail system, partly converted from heavy rail, with routes meeting in the city centre on a one-way on-street loop. Several revisions to the light rail plan were made since then. Maps in the article indicate several of the proposed lines, in some cases with alternative route options. There have also been studies of possible guided bus routes and a cross-city rail link. The SPTE expressed a preference for giving priority to the northern light rail routes. The considerable response to the public consultation questionnaire is now being evaluated, and plans are not yet finalised. Due to the present bleak financial climate, start of work on the light rail schemes seems to be delayed indefinitely.