Rival travel providers Scottish Citylink and ScotRail have joined forces to beat the car as the best option of getting to Glasgow International Airport.

A new through ticketing scheme allows rail customers to travel into Glasgow and connect with Citylink’s frequent bus service to the airport. The convenience of needing just one ticket is matched by a price saving of 10% on the bus price.
7.7 million people used the airport in 2002 but only 8.5% used public transport to get there compared with 60% car and 26% taxi.

Citylink Marketing Manager, Paul Murphy, said: “We compete with ScotRail for customers all over Scotland but we are delighted to join forces on this initiative as it represents a great deal for customers. More and more people are taking the bus to connect with their low cost flight as the £18 taxi fare often costs more than the air fare."

"This new through ticketing facility provides a fresh incentive for travellers to choose the public transport option,” says Don Roberts, ScotRail’s Head of Marketing. “It will complement the existing rail/bus through ticketing scheme Strathclyde Passenger Transport operate to and from Paisley Gilmour Street station.”

BAA Glasgow welcomed the move as its Surface Access Strategy aims to increase the use of public transport to and from the airport by 12% by 2006.

Richard Watson from BAA said: "Glasgow Airport is fully committed to improving and increasing public transport links to the airport. We have been working with Citylink for a number of years, and advances such as these are most welcome."

Passengers pick up the Citylink airport coach connection from bus stops adjacent to Glasgow Central and Queen Street train stations. Buses run every ten minutes and journey time is under 25 minutes.

The rail-coach connection gives people travelling to and from the West Highlands and the North and East of Scotland, a quick and easy coach link between Glasgow Queen Street station and the airport.

Issued by the BIG partnership on behalf of Scottish Citylink.

For further information please contact:
Kay Pullar on 0141 333 9585.