30 May 2007
SPT Chair re-elected
Councillor Alistair Watson looking to the future
Glasgow City councillor Alistair Watson has vowed to continue improving public transport across Strathclyde after being re-elected as Chair of Strathclyde Partnership for Transport.
At the first SPT meeting since the Scottish elections, it was unanimously agreed that Cllr Watson would remain as Chair of the west of Scotland Regional Transport Partnership. Councillor Davie McLachlan of South Lanarkshire Council and Councillor David Fagan of North Lanarkshire Council were elected as Vice Chairs.
Cllr Watson represents the Craigton constituency and has been Chair of SPT since 2003. He said, "It's a great honour to be re-elected as Chair. I take great pride in being part of SPT and am now looking forward to playing an important role in shaping the future of public transport within Strathclyde.
"SPT has big plans, all of which are laid out in our draft Regional Transport Strategy. We now look forward to the new Executive signing off these proposals which include the Glasgow Airport Rail Link and our Subway redevelopment and extension plans.
"We also look forward to working with the Executive to make these projects a reality. However, our RTS doesn't just include big projects. Equally as important are local issues. For example, we must make sure that nobody is left without access to a local bus service, no matter where they live.
He added, "I'm excited about the future of public transport in Strathclyde and I look forward to working with my colleagues at SPT, and all our industry partners, to deliver a transport network that matches the needs of the people."
ends
Notes to editors
- At the meeting, Cllr Watson was nominated as Chair by Cllr Eddie Philips from East Renfrewshire Council. The nomination was seconded by Cllr Chris Thompson from South Lanarkshire Council. No other nominations were made and it was unanimously agreed that Cllr Watson would remain as Chair.