With less than 50 days to go until the largest multi-sport event ever to be held in Scotland gets under way, spectators are being encouraged to plan their journey early to ensure smooth and seamless travel to Glasgow 2014.
Detailed information on public transport, along with walking and cycling routes is now available via the Glasgow 2014 website.
This includes details on spectator shuttle bus services provided by Glasgow 2014 and operated by Official Supporter First Bus. The spectator shuttle services will run from Buchanan Bus Station in Glasgow City Centre to key venues.
Shuttle services supplement the existing regular bus services that operate across the city, which ticketed spectators are also entitled to use on the day they are attending an event. Accessible shuttle buses will also be available for those with restricted mobility from dedicated accessible rail stations.
A spectator journey planner app is also available through the Glasgow 2014 website and for download on all major mobile platforms to help people plan in advance how to travel to and from the Games successfully.
Building on the existing Traveline Scotland journey planner, the app has details on public transport options, Games time Shuttle Bus services, Park & Ride and details of accessible transport services.
With up to one million additional visitors expected to travel to the city before and during the Games, Scotland’s transport network will be busier than ever and spectators are being urged to walk, cycle and use public transport.
More than 1000 additional cycle parking spaces have been installed for the Games and spectators will find clearly signposted cycle parking at all venues.
Those travelling to the Games are encouraged to leave their cars at home and with the exception of Barry Buddon, the Shooting venue in Carnoustie, there will be no parking at or near venues, with the exception of pre-booked wheelchair user and blue badge parking.
Dedicated spectator Park & Ride sites will be in operation, which must be booked in advance, for the Opening Ceremony at Celtic Park, Mountain Bike Trial at Cathkin Braes, Track and Field events and Closing Ceremony at Hampden, Rugby Sevens at Ibrox and the Triathlon at Strathclyde Country Park for spectators with tickets on the day they are attending an event.
There will also be parking provision for the Shooting at Barry Buddon in Carnoustie. Spectators can choose to walk or take a connecting shuttle bus service to get to the event. This does not require advance booking.
Glasgow 2014, Glasgow City Council, Transport Scotland and transport providers are working together to make sure that those enjoying the Games can get around as quickly and easily as possible. Operating hours on rail lines serving Games venues, and also on the Glasgow Subway, have been extended to help.
David Grevemberg, Glasgow 2014 Chief Executive, said:
“The Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games will see over 6,500 athletes and officials come to Glasgow for 11 days of fantastic competition that will put Glasgow and Scotland on the world stage.
“We’ve seen unprecedented interest in the Games, including amazing demand for tickets from people all over Scotland, the rest of the UK and internationally. We know this means the city will be bustling with activity come Games time and transport networks will be busier than usual.
“There are lots of measures in place to assist, from shuttle buses to enhanced services with later trains. With less than 50 days to go, we would encourage everyone travelling to the Games to plan their travel and book ahead so they can relax and enjoy the largest multi-sport event Scotland has ever seen.”
Brian Devlin, Executive Director of Land and Environmental Services, Glasgow City Council, said:
“This city loves sport – so there will be plenty of Glaswegians making their way to venues this summer, along with visitors from across the United Kingdom and the whole Commonwealth.
“While the venues will be familiar to fans; the best way to reach them will probably be different during the Games. Even if you know the city like the back of your hand, now is the right time to check out the website, download the app and plan ahead.
“There will be a great atmosphere in Glasgow during the Games and the city will be alive with colourful celebrations and cultural events. Whether you live in Glasgow or are just visiting, one of the best ways to experience that buzz is going to be by getting around by foot or by bike.”
Roy Brannen, Director of Trunk Road and Bus Operations Transport Scotland, said:
“Through our long standing transport planning we’re working with partners to ensure spectators are kept informed of the best ways to get around, including highlighting changes and enhancements to the busy transport network.
“I’d encourage everyone to download the Traveline Scotland App to ensure they have the most up to date travel advice to hand, now available via the Glasgow 2014 website as part of our continued investment to ensure Scotland is ready to welcome the world this summer.
“And the upcoming Games Travel Radio service will provide another handy route into the latest news, delivering round the clock transport information to keep Scotland moving.”
Spectators can keep up to date with the latest transport information by following the Glasgow 2014 travel twitter account – @GamesTravel2014 or visiting glasgow2014.com/transport – and up-to-the-minute travel and transport advice will also be broadcast on Transport Scotland’s soon to be launched Digital Radio channel, Games Travel Radio.
