A new £7.2 million transport interchange has officially opened in East Kilbride, forming a key component of the recently unveiled £16 million Hairmyres train station.

The project, delivered with significant input from South Lanarkshire Council, aims to significantly improve public transport connectivity and accessibility in the area.

The new interchange features extensive park and ride and bus facilities, offering approximately 500 parking spaces. Access to the car parks is managed by traffic signal-controlled junctions. Furthermore, the development includes new active travel connections and dedicated cycle parking, alongside an upgraded junction nearby and a new pedestrian crossing on Eaglesham Road, promoting sustainable travel options.

The new Hairmyres station itself is located 600 metres west of its original site and boasts modern waiting areas and step-free access, designed to ensure a safe, comfortable, and accessible journey for all passengers.

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This comprehensive project was a collaborative effort, involving South Lanarkshire Council, the Scottish Government, Transport Scotland, Network Rail, Strathclyde Partnership for Transport, and the Glasgow City Region City Deal.

David Booth, South Lanarkshire Council's executive director of community and enterprise resources, highlighted the collaborative nature and scale of the development: "The scope of the overall project is huge and it's great to see a number of partners coming together. For the construction of the park and ride, upgraded junctions nearby and active travel connections we have been working with Transport Scotland, Network Rail, Strathclyde Partnership for Transport and the local authorities in the Glasgow City Region who are engaged in the delivery of the City Deal. We are already looking to the next phase of our works which will be concluded in the summer. The passenger experience will be enhanced significantly and add further to the provision of public transport in East Kilbride."

ScotRail services recommenced on the East Kilbride line on Sunday, 18 May. Liam Sumpter, managing director of Network Rail Scotland, indicated further improvements are anticipated: "The project continues its journey with significant improvements still to come. Each milestone brings us a step closer to delivering a railway that's fit for the future – one that's more reliable, efficient and sustainable for generations to come."

Joanne Maguire, ScotRail Managing Director, expressed enthusiasm for the new facilities: "We're delighted to welcome customers back to the East Kilbride line and to the brand-new Hairmyres station." Jim Double, regional managing director of AmcoGiffen, also affirmed his company's contribution: "AmcoGiffen are proud to have played a key role in delivering the new Hairmyres Station alongside Network Rail."