£2m of funding has been provided to two of Scotland’s biggest cities to spur a new transport and infrastructure regeneration.

The European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) programme has provided grants for two transport projects in Glasgow and one in Dundee.

£1.2m will go towards Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT) for social and environmental regeneration in Glasgow’s south side. Improvements will be made to Govan, Ibrox, Cessnock and Bridge Street subway stations.

It will see improved interchange facilities between bus, Fastlink and the subway, including 'smartcard' ticketing infrastructure.

These improvements will be part of wider regeneration plans. In the East End, funding for Clyde Gateway Urban Regeneration Company will help create an integrated transport network intended to connect areas of need with areas of employment.

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Both projects are part of measures to improve Glasgow’s transport infrastructure ahead of the 2014 Commonwealth Games.

In Dundee, the Lochee Integrated Transport Hub will link the area to Dundee city centre and provide access to jobs and training opportunities. £180,000 is the estimated cost of this project.

Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon was at Govan Station to see how the improvements will encourage greater use and help stimulate regeneration.

She said: "Transport infrastructure is a key component of urban regeneration and by making public transport more accessible, we can help connect people with employment, training and leisure opportunities. Our transport networks must contribute to making Scotland an attractive place to live, to visit and do business."

SPT Chair George Redmond said: "This programme will put the Govan, Ibrox, Cessnock and Bridge Street stations at the heart of communities they service.

"The £419,000 grant for Clyde Gateway’s Sustainable Transport Project will transform the existing transport infrastructure in the Clyde Gateway area, helping to connect local people with training and employment opportunities."

(IT)