'A complete betrayal of Renfrewshire' - Labour MSP hits out at new airport link plans

A Personal Rapid Transit shuttle pod between Glasgow Airport and Paisley Gilmour Street emerged yesterday as the likely alternative to a full tram-train rail link.

Following a meeting between Glasgow and Renfrewshire council leaders, the Transport Secretary and Glasgow Airport, it has been agreed to work on a business case for the Personal Rapid Transit system.

READ MORE: Glasgow Airport rail link to be ditched for rapid shuttle pod to Paisley

But, the news has not been greeted positively by everyone, with Labour man Neil Bibby saying the decision is a complete "betrayal" of the people of Renfrewshire. 

The West of Scotland MSP said: "The SNP have ditched the Glasgow Airport rail link again and this time they’re using their own abject failure to manage capacity on the rail network as an excuse.

Cllr Iain Nicolson is positive about the new plans

"It is incredible that just one week after voting to urgently progress a tram-train link to the airport, that the SNP are shelving it.

"Major cities across Europe and around the world have modern, reliable, rail connections to their airports yet delivering a rail link to Glasgow Airport seems to be completely beyond the abilities of the SNP and Transport Scotland – it’s a joke.

"There is the money to deliver this project, there is a business case, there is widespread public support but what this announcement tells us is that there is a total absence of political will from SNP. 

"Local SNP politicians should explain whether they will be stand by this appalling decision made by their bosses or stand up for Renfrewshire?

"This is a project of huge national and local economic importance. M8 congestion is getting worse and it is a barrier to growth in the Renfrewshire economy and beyond.

"This is a complete betrayal of Renfrewshire and the West and an utter failure of leadership from the SNP nationally and locally."

Renfrewshire Council Leader Iain Nicolson said: “This is a really positive step forward and recognition that a transport link between Glasgow City Centre, Paisley and Glasgow Airport is critical to the success of the city region economy.

“It is important we get the right solution which takes in to account competing demands on the existing rail network and delivers for the whole of the City Region. In order to ensure we get the right solution, we now have a clear way forward and agreement to look at a business case for a Personal Rapid Transit (PRT) system, which can be delivered quickly and finally make the connection between the Airport and the city that business leaders and investors are crying out for.

READ MORE: McGill's chief clashes with Renfrewshire Council leader

“Renfrewshire Council is fully supportive of this approach and will be seeking Cabinet approval in the next few weeks to develop an outline business case to deliver a PRT for 2025.”

Michael Matheson, Transport Secretary, said: “It’s crucial that improving access to Glasgow Airport is balanced with the needs of the region’s existing transport network.

“The Personal Rapid Transit system option potentially meets this aim, and I look forward to seeing the revised business case once it’s completed.”

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “The recommendation to commission a revised business case for a Personal Rapid Transit system was made by the Airport Access Project Executive Steering Group, not the Scottish Government.

“We support this course of action as it is crucial that improving access to Glasgow Airport is balanced with the needs of all users of the region’s transport network and avoids a negative impact on users of the rail network in particular.

“The Personal Rapid Transit system option potentially meets this aim, so it is sensible that it fully explored before a final decision is made. As this is a City Region Deal project any decision rests with the City Region Deal Cabinet”