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This is coming from the party that was silent on reinstating HS2 phase 2a when it was easy to do so.No details about how this rail link would like. With this announcement you'd almost thing there was an upcoming election.
Scottish Labour would build Glasgow Airport rail link
Party leader Anas Sarwar said a government he leads would back the link ‘once and for all’
It's definitely a last-ditch attempt at trying to improve support for 'Scottish' Labour.
I believe this capacity has now been taken up by more trains to Ayrshire, which would be politically difficult to take away again.
Given the polls I wouldn't get too excited just yet!No details about how this rail link would like. With this announcement, you'd almost thing there was an upcoming election.
Scottish Labour would build Glasgow Airport rail link
Party leader Anas Sarwar said a government he leads would back the link ‘once and for all’
The issue is it is 9 minutes from Glasgow Central to Gilmour St, plus 5 mins to change, then another 5 mins on a shuttle. First 500 is timed for 12-14 minutes from the airport terminal to stops nearest Central. This increases to 20-25 minute in peak times. Even the original rail proposal for branch after St James would struggle to meet the off-peak timings with stops at Gilmour St and St James. Sure there is the group that will never use the bus, but does that market justify the new rail link. Or you could spend significantly less on a hard shoulder bus lane on the M8, cut the congestion penalty on the airport bus, and cut journey times on other bus routes as well.
Not only that, it was to be elevated for much (all?) of the route to the Terminal Building crossing the M8.
Using valuable paths, rolling stock and crew for dedicated expresses, and the high costs of the new infrastructure make it unlikely, I agree, especially considering the airport's lack of growth compared to Edinburgh. An APM to the airport would connect well with the whole Ayrshire network at Paisley. Operating costs for a DART-style link would be low and fixed, little more than an elevator, so frequent service can be maintained around the clock more affordably. Any extra expresses introduced to meet airport demand would go on to other destinations, providing more benefits. I'd suggest branding the APM terminal at Gilmour St as part of the airport, with a big Welcome to Glasgow Airport sign. The aim would be to convince the traveller they're already entering the airport when they leave the train.
How would you get an APM from Gilmour Street to the airport without using the railway between Gilmour Street and St James?
Probably roughly follow the east bank of the White Cart or perhaps elevated over Abercorn Street then onto the old railway. Swing left across the river after passing under the M8.
Yes, as above in post #13
In South America they would bridge that sort of gap with an urban cable car.
Also now in ParisIn South America they would bridge that sort of gap with an urban cable car.
See this German overview:
Gondola would be cheapest option by far and would work well. However I think the best option would be to extend the subway via Queen Elizabeth university hospital, Braehead, and Renfrew to the airport, though this would likely be far too expensive.Also now in Paris
Câble 1 - Wikipedia
en.wikipedia.org
Far too expensive, and far too slow. Far too small, too.
I’ve grown old listening to proposals whereby the Subway would have an ‘infinity’ (figure of eight) loop redressing the balance of a largely western bias. Your suggestion just exacerbates the western bias, of a system that is limited in so many other ways, (start with the tunnel diameter). The airport is held as some holy grail but the management here would have a major disincentive (they charge for ongoing access) something that a link will seriously diminish this cash cow.
In my opinion, if the subway were to have a second line, it should be of entirely new and different technology. Maybe something like a VAL or the DLR, short train lengths, high frequencies. It wouldn’t be good for an airport link, but for linking residential areas closer to the city centre not already linked to the subway or heavy rail. Perhaps an Argyle Line extension southwest to the Airport, diverging from an enlarged Partick station would be more beneficial in providing better regional connectivity to the airport.
