CITY leaders will today be asked to back ambitious proposals for an underground tunnel connecting Queen Street and Central Station.

Martin Bartos, of the Green party, believes the Connectivity Commission’s preferred plan to link the two train stations would have social and economic benefits as well as reduce the city’s carbon footprint – and will call on the council to commit to the project.

The commission has said around £10billion needs to be invested in public transport over the next decade.

One of the recommendations is a tunnel with an underground station created between Queen Street and Central.

Mr Bartos believes that it is important to create reliable, eco-friendly public services.

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His motion states: “The council believes in the importance of an ecologically and economically sustainable, integrated multi-modal public transport network which is safe, accessible and affordable to serve the needs of people across this and nearby regional authorities.

“The council believes responsible investment in low and carbon-neutral transport is key to empowering

people and protecting the planet given the climate emergency.”

The underground tunnel is just one of many plans proposed by the Connectivity Commission to improve travel across the city. Also included in the plans is a city-wide Metro system with a new rail link connecting Glasgow Airport to Paisley Gilmour Street.

The recommendations were described by the council leader, Susan Aitken as “bold and ambitious”.

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Mr Bartos also believes MSPs should amend planning and transport Bills to all local authorities and transport companies in the country to develop transport methods.

The motion adds: “The council notes the Commission’s reference to a range of transport funding mechanisms employed elsewhere and believes that such powers, including precept, may be necessary.

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“The council therefore calls on MSPs to consider appropriate amendments to the Planning and Transport Bills to empower existing regional planning and transport bodies across Scotland to develop tailored mechanisms for revenue raising which adapt any of the methods referenced in the report.”