Glasgow's new airport line dropped

[rjhowie]

After years of working towards this the present Scottish Government has now pulled the plug on the planned new line to Glasgow Airport of the existing network. This was to operate out of Glasgow (Central) Station. It cites an extra £70 milllion it wasn't aware of yet a year ago they were all for it. It has led to a furore from opposition parties but this well publicised intended and ,long waited for project is now dead. Well for the foreseeable future or change in government in Edinburgh.

 

[Johnk]

it's very strange that major cities are reluctant to build railways or even light railways to airports. Melbourne in Australia is one example. A taxi fare to the airport which is a little way out of town, can cost more than the plane fare to a major city thousands of kilometres away.

Melbourne Airport is an unusual case because there's a railway line only a couple of kilometres away and all the land they need is available for a right of way.

As it is, commuters who can't afford taxis have to rely on a bus shuttle service to get to the city. In all fairness, the service is excellent, with buses leaving every ten minutes and they drop you off at a major station where you can walk to the trains in comfort. Unfortunately, the buses are often packed out and many people have to stand.

 

[rjhowie]

Much in what you say there Johnk. Glasgow is the second busiest airport in Scotland but the BAA has annoucned that terminal2 will be closed for part of the winter season to save money (credit crunch?). I think the new tram system being built in Edinburgh is meantto connect to the aiport. The shelving of Glasgow's new line has created a political battle. A year ago the powers that be and the Minister for Transport were waxing about the new line now it is all something else!