Transport agency plans to keep the nation moving in 2014

With spectator numbers in the hundreds of thousands expected across numerous events, live shows and gatherings, Scotland’s national transport agency is working with its delivery partners to make 2014 a real success

In terms of the Commonwealth Games, ongoing preparations include working closely with the rail industry to develop provision of extra services and additional carriages to meet the forecasted spectator demand.

A Travel Demand Management business case and strategy for the Commonwealth Games is progressing well. This will help inform residents, businesses and spectators while influencing travel behaviours before and during Games time.

Work is also ongoing to help facilitate the Commonwealth Games team’s ‘Transport Co-ordination Centre’ which be the nerve centre for coordinating delivery partners during the Games.

Transport Minister Keith Brown said

“Scotland’s transport system is amongst the best in Europe and 2014 offers a marvellous opportunity to showcase this.

“Ongoing investment in infrastructure and services is helping to offer a fully integrated transport system that allows people to travel the length and breadth of the country. The projects we are undertaking now to support major events 2014 will leave a lasting, beneficial legacy for the whole nation.

“We are also working closely with our partners to ensure end to end connections are available between all the major airports, railway stations or ports and the event venues.

“This Government is focused on keeping Scotland moving and everyone can contribute by planning their journeys carefully to avoid peak-time congestion and making the decision to use public transport, walk or cycle to minimise delays.

“Transport Scotland is at the heart of planning; keeping delivery arrangements under review to make sure our transport system makes a full contribution to success of each event and enhances our nation’s worldwide reputation.”

Projects already delivered or well underway are:

• the new Dalmarnock Station following a £12m facelift will play a vital role as a Games transport hub
• £246m capital funding for the Glasgow Subway modernisation and a refresh for all Underground stations to help improve the public transport experience for games visitors, athletes and volunteers alike.
• the M74 completion project delivers on one of Transport Scotland’s essential infrastructure commitments to the 2014 Games giving visitors improved access to Glasgow whether travelling north by road from England, or from airports at Glasgow, Prestwick or Edinburgh.
• A Scottish Government’s contribution of up to £40 million for the Glasgow Fastlink project is providing access to jobs, services and communities and will improve transport links in time for the Games.
• Significant investment in Gleneagles station to improve accessibility and attractiveness for users, while leaving lasting public transport legacy for the local community.

Some of the other planning taking place includes:

• ongoing dialogue with the three largest airports in central Scotland (Glasgow, Edinburgh and Prestwick), DfT, Glasgow 2014 Ltd and NATS to ensure we can cope with the expected increase in the number of flights/passengers, generated by major events.
• discussions with the HA to extend restrictions on planned roadworks
• enhanced Highway Agency patrols to the main cross border routes in northern England.
• Finalisation of roadworks restrictions for the Scottish trunk road network to minimise congestion while still enabling work programmes to be delivered
• developing an accessibility strategy to ensure Games Family and spectators, including anyone with a disability, have suitable transport facilities available to them to enable a safe, dignified and timely journey (led by Glasgow2014).
• planning the detailed route for the Queens Baton Relay (led by Glasgow 2014)
• The Transport Minister himself visited the Transport for London Control Hub last December where he received feedback presentations around London’s preparations and operations during the 2012 Olympics.