Could Glasgow introduce free electric shuttle buses?

A free electric shuttle bus service in Glasgow is being considered by council officials, according to a report being presented at committee this week.

The local authority has commissioned a study to investigate how a such a service, which would cost between £764,000 and £1.5m per annum, could operate

Six options have been assessed that would connect various parts of the city centre and make them more accessible, but funding has yet to be secured.

Free electric buses already operate or have been trialled in a number of cities, including Sheffield.

An update on the proposals, part of the city centre transport plan, will be presented to members of the council's operations and scrutiny committee later this week.

The first option would connect the Royal Infirmary hospital with transport hubs, while option two would see the shuttle run between the Royal, transport hubs and Buchanan Wharf.

It would also serve Strathclyde University, Buchanan Bus Station, and Central and Queen Street railway stations.

Option three is similar to options one and two and would provide a link between the Royal, various transport hubs and the Merchant City, in an attempt to offer a better connection between retail areas of the city centre.

Option four would see the shuttle operate between transport hubs, shopping areas and the international financial services district in the Broomielaw.

It would serve Buchanan Bus Station, Strathclyde University, Queen Street and Central stations and the Argyle Street and Sauchiehall Street shopping areas.

Option five is similar to option four but instead would link up with the Merchant City rather than the financial district.

Lastly, the final option would provide a connection between the Royal Infirmary, transport hubs and the Scottish Events Campus (SEC), which includes the OVO Hydro music venue.

This route would serve Strathclyde University, Queen Street Station, Buchanan Bus Station, Central Station and the SEC.

Story by Local Democracy Reporting Service reporter Catherine Hunter.