Global engineering and development consultancy Mott MacDonald has been appointed by Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT), in collaboration with Glasgow City Council on behalf of the Glasgow City Region, to progress two crucial elements of the case for investment for the ambitious Clyde Metro project.

The consultancy will undertake the Scottish Transport Appraisal Guidance (STAG) appraisal and develop the preliminary engineering statement for Stage 2 of the project. This work will be instrumental in defining the scope and timetable for the delivery of Clyde Metro, including determining potential routes, destinations, and the specific transport modes to be utilised.

Clyde Metro represents a multi-billion-pound, long-term investment programme aimed at establishing a fully integrated mass transit public transport system for the Glasgow City Region. The initiative was launched in December 2022 following recommendations from Transport Scotland's Strategic Transport Projects Review 2 (STPR2). Its key objectives include improving connectivity, reducing social exclusion, and enhancing access to vital services such as healthcare, education, and employment. The project also aims to stimulate transformational regeneration and investment across the West of Scotland.

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Several work packages are currently underway to build the case for this significant infrastructure project. Mott MacDonald's appointment to these two packages follows on from their involvement in Stage 1 in 2024, where they contributed to developing the case for change and outlining initial network options for Clyde Metro.

Under Package 1, Mott MacDonald will collaborate with Stantec and other partners to conduct the STAG appraisal and associated technical workstreams. This will build upon the previously established case for change and will rigorously evaluate the potential impacts, benefits, and strategic alignment of Clyde Metro with both national and regional transport strategies.

For Package 2, Mott MacDonald will be responsible for developing the preliminary engineering statement. This crucial document will outline the technical and engineering requirements for the Clyde Metro system, defining the project's scope, feasibility, and potential engineering challenges. This package will involve detailed engineering and technical feasibility assessments for each potential transport corridor, as well as engagement and consultation with relevant stakeholders.

Graeme Smith, managing director for transport and mobility solutions UK & Europe at Mott MacDonald, commented: "Having worked on Clyde Metro from its early stages, it's clear that it has the potential to provide tremendous benefits, not only the Glasgow City Region, but for Scotland as a whole. Our Glasgow-based team, supported by the wider UK business, is excited to continue the journey with SPT and its partners; leading the way in making the case for investment in this generationally significant project."

SPT head of policy and planning Bruce Kiloh added: "We are delighted to appoint Mott MacDonald, alongside Stantec, to support to SPT and Clyde Metro project partners as we look to progress this next crucial stage of Clyde Metro's case for investment. The appointment for these commissions will build upon the earlier success of the case for investment, and we look forward to continuing to work with Mott MacDonald to examine Clyde Metro network and mode options in more detail, ensuring we develop a robust business case for this ambitious transformational mass transit project for the Glasgow City Region."