A COMMUNITY leader has backed podcars as a potential transport link to Glasgow Airport, claiming a tram system would be a “vanity project”.

It was revealed recently the small automated vehicles – known as the Personal Rapid Transit (PRT) scheme – were now considered a preferred option as part of as part of the Glasgow City Region Deal. 

Mike Dillon is chairman of Paisley North Community Council, which covers the ward in which the airport is located, and he urged politicians to “think before they start spending money”. 

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He said: “We know what the tram would cost. If that went ahead we would have to subsidise the fares.

“My tax money does’t go towards subsidising fares from Paisley to Glasgow Airport. That’s just not on.

“It’s a vanity project for the airport. This tram system is a no no. I hope people are thinking about this before they start spending money.”

A direct rail link had been announced as part of the £1.13 billion City Deal agreed in 2014, with plans to have it operational by 2025. 

However concerns have since been raised over the capacity at Glasgow Central Station, which would have been linked with the airport. 

If a podcars were favoured, passengers would likely travel from Glasgow Central to Paisley Gilmour Street station before using the PRT system to then get to the airport. 

Speaking at Paisley North Community Council on Tuesday, Councillor Kenny MacLaren said the pod system was the right approach. 

He said: “They have started to realise Glasgow Central doesn’t have the capacity.

“The pod plan does have other wider benefits. Landowners are likely to agree to it and because it’s on stilts, it can be built quickly and relatively cheaply.”

Councillor Iain Nicolson, leader of Renfrewshire Council, has recently voiced his support for a PRT system. 

He said: “This is a really positive step forward and recognition that a transport link between Glasgow City Centre, Paisley and Glasgow Airport is critical to the success of the city region economy. 

“It is important we get the right solution which takes into account competing demands on the existing rail network and delivers for the whole of the City Region.

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“In order to ensure we get the right solution, we now have a clear way forward and agreement to look at a business case for a Personal Rapid Transit system, which can be delivered quickly and finally make the connection between the airport and the city that business leaders and investors are crying out for.

“Renfrewshire Council is fully supportive of this approach and will be seeking cabinet approval in the next few weeks to develop an outline business case to deliver a PRT for 2025.”