A DATE has been set for the start of major upgrade works to a key transport hub.

Partick Interchange is set to be closed for nine months from October 16, while work gets underway to revamp the station.

As previously reported by the Evening Times, the work will include increasing the number of bus stances to accommodate the surge in passengers using the station.

The upgraded waiting points will be accompanied by improved areas for passengers with integrated lighting, CCTV, seating and Real Time Passenger Information (RTPI) showing when buses are due.

Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT) chiefs said the new design will allow a better flow of traffic through the station, which also serves train and subway passengers.

While the work is being carried out, traffic is expected to be busy on Dumbarton Road, which will accommodate temporary sub stops for the displaced routes.

SPT chief executive Gordon Maclennan said: “Partick Interchange is a major connecting hub for journeys across Strathclyde and beyond. Passengers using Rail, Subway and Bus facilities have increased considerably over the last couple of years with the Glasgow Harbour and Clyde waterfront development, as well as the opening of the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital.

“The development of a new bus station is vital for future growth and to deliver improved access to employment, education, retail and leisure as well as act as a catalyst to wider regional economic development.”

Serving one of Scotland’s busiest and most densely populated districts, Partick Bus Station has become part of a vital multi modal transportation hub for West Glasgow integrating bus, rail and subway with national cycle and local footpath networks.

It is a major connecting hub for journeys across Strathclyde and beyond. The interchange facility is used by approximately 2.8 million rail passengers and just under 1 million subway passengers per year. The bus station patronage has experienced significant increase in recent years with up to 42 westbound bus services per hour using Partick at peak times.

SPT chairman Martin Bartos said: “SPT has made significant investment in recent years on major improvements to the rail and subway elements of Partick Interchange, and we now need to ensure that the bus area is of a similar high standard, with much improved facilities for all passengers.”