Robroyston station will be officially opened today as ScotRail launches its brand-new timetable.
Michael Matheson, Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Infrastructure, and Connectivity will unveil a plaque at the new £14million station – the 60th railway station in Glasgow.
ScotRail said the new station will unlock further economic development in the area, with a proposal for a new 1,600 strong housing development, and connect Robroyston and Millerston residents to Scotland’s two largest cities.
As part of ScotRail’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions, the new station will offer a free park-and-ride facility to take cars off the road and ease congestion in Glasgow city centre.
With 263 free parking spaces and located minutes away from junction two of the M80, the new station provides an easy commuting option for both residents in Robroyston and Millerston as well as drivers travelling into Glasgow city centre from further afield.
The station will be served exclusively by brand-new class 385 electric trains.
The construction of the new station has been made possible by joint-working and funding by ScotRail, Network Rail, Transport Scotland, Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT), Glasgow City Council, and Network Rail. The main contractor was AMCO.
Alex Hynes, Managing Director of Scotland’s Railway, said:
“The opening of the brand new Robroyston station is another milestone as we build the best railway Scotland’s ever had.
“Robroyston station is central to attracting more investment in the local area and creating new low-carbon travel opportunities. It proves the power of the railway as a key driver of the economy.
“I’m proud of the team effort involved in delivering this project on time and on budget.”
Michael Matheson, Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Infrastructure, and Connectivity, said:
“Today marks a fantastic rail milestone with this new station here at Robroyston - Glasgow’s 60th. This ScotRail led project has used an innovative construction method and taken little over a year to complete, on time and within budget. Not only has it secured significant savings to the public purse, it has also given us key learning for future rail projects. This really is an excellent example of partnership working at its best.
“From providing local residents with a sustainable travel option now to serving the 1,600 new homes with retail and leisure facilities that are planned, Robroyston station will make a real difference. At a national level, our continued investment in rail is also providing more seats, more services and more journey choices than ever before.”
Councillor Susan Aitken, Leader of Glasgow City Council, said:
“This is a significant milestone for Glasgow, our 60th station, the latest to be added to the network and a real statement of the success of our railways over the past two decades.
“Better connections to and from Glasgow city centre are essential for our city’s economic well-being and attracting business. This station will open up the network to even more passengers.
“It not only continues the redevelopment of the Robroyston area but connects the north east of Glasgow to the city centre in minutes and Edinburgh in an hour, providing opportunities for an expanding local community to better access education, leisure and employment.”
Alan Moir, SPT Vice Chair, said:
“SPT was instrumental in bringing together this multi-stakeholder approach and funding contribution to this ambitious project. It provides a vital transport link for the extensive Robroyston development as well as a strategic park and ride facility, leading to a more sustainable transport solution in the area as a whole. It really demonstrates what good partnership working can achieve.
“This is another important step in developing an attractive and accessible public transport network in Strathclyde.”
Alan Boyle, AmcoGiffen Regional Managing Director (Scotland), said:
“AmcoGiffen are proud to successfully deliver on-time the new station facilities at Robroyston. Working in partnership with Abellio ScotRail, Glasgow City Council and SPT, it is a real privilege to provide the benefits of improved transport links and step-free access for passengers and the local communities.”