Driverless taxis carried on elevated guideways could soon be used by passengers travelling to and from Glasgow Airport. The personal rapid transit system – similar to that introduced at Heathrow Terminal 5 in 2011 – is one of a series of public transport options being considered by the Scottish airport.

A report was published last week by consultant Aecom appraising a series of options to improve surface access to Glasgow Airport and reduce dependance on private vehicles. A client group of Glasgow Airport, Transport Scotland, Glasgow City Council and Renfrewshire Council is now considering the report.

Introduction of an on demand personal rapid transit system between Paisley Gilmour Street railway station and the airport – a distance of around 2km – would cost £72M. The report says that multiple stops could be provided en route and each automated ‘pod’ could carry four people with luggage.

Further options put forward include a tram-train service running on rail from Glasgow Central via an interchange at Paisley Gilmour Street to the airport on a new spur line. This proposal is estimated to cost £92M.

A heavy rail service introduced on a similar route would cost in the region of £207M, according to the report.

Transport Minister Keith Brown said he welcomed completion of the study. “This work allows us to compare the performance of a wide range of transport measures with a view to improving public transport access to the airport.”

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