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 key elements of the Case for Investment for the ambitious Clyde Metro project.

The appointment marks the commencement of Stage 2 for Mott MacDonald, which will involve the critical task of developing the Scottish Transport Appraisal Guidance (STAG) and the Preliminary Engineering Statement. 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 transformational, multi-billion-pound long-term investment programme with the aim of 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 core objectives include improving connectivity, reducing social exclusion, and enhancing access to essential services such as healthcare, education, and employment. The programme also seeks to stimulate transformational regeneration and investment across the West of Scotland.

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Several work packages are currently underway to demonstrate the necessity and value of this large-scale project. Mott MacDonald's appointment covers two of these key packages, building upon the Stage 1 work the consultancy carried out for SPT and its partners in 2024, which involved developing the Case for Change and outlining potential Network Options.

Under Package 1, Mott MacDonald will collaborate with Stantec and other supporting partners to undertake the comprehensive STAG appraisal work and related technical workstreams. This will build upon the Case for Change established in Stage 1 and will involve a thorough evaluation of Clyde Metro's potential impacts, benefits, and its alignment 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, which is essential for defining the project's scope, feasibility, and potential engineering challenges associated with its delivery. This package includes detailed engineering and technical feasibility assessments of 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 on the project's potential: "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."

Bruce Kiloh, Head of Policy and Planning at SPT, 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."

He further stated: "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."