“UP Sauchie, doon Buchie, alang Argyle!”

This was a favourite catchphrase of an old pal of the route he would take on foot through the city centre of Glasgow back in the day.

Translated it means: “Go up Sauchiehall Street, then down Buchanan Street then along Argyle Street.”

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These mighty, linked streets were the three titans of Glasgow city centre, back in the 70s, 80s and 90s at least, but the times they are a changin’.

The city centre of Glasgow in 2022 is unrecognisable from the one which my old pal related his phrase to. George Square is no longer green, Sauchiehall Street is no longer vibrant, Buchanan Street (pedestrianised in 1978) is top of the shops and Argyle Street … well, let’s just say that’s an interesting part of the world these days! My pal’s beloved Bonkers on Hope Street is also long gone.

And the only certainty in the future is – more change.

That’s why it’s genuinely interesting to learn of the Council’s new City Centre Transportation Plan for 2030, which is out for public consultation just now and is set to replace the City Centre Transport Strategy 2014-2024. Lots of planning going on, it can’t be disputed!

On the positive side of things, as highlighted at Glasgow Taxis HQ, the council’s latest plan includes, for the first time, reference to taxis being part of a future integrated public transport solution for Glasgow.

Positively, the council is proposing to set a target set for increased usage of taxis and shared transport by 2030 (in furtherance of a significant reduction in private car journeys).

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That’s the good news. However, elephants remain in the room:

What kind of fleet will we have in place come 2030, given all the pressures we face today?

What kind of city centre will we have in place come 2030, given all the targets we appear to be required to meet?

Up Sauchie, doon Buchie and alang Argyle in 2030? Look out yer e-bikes, drones or hoverboards!

Wouldn’t it be great to have a crystal ball, or even a time machine, and be able to see what awaits us all in eight years’ time? We’ll just have to sit patiently and watch it all progress year by year, I guess.

For now, here’s hoping that Glasgow city centre in 2030 is serviced by a well-supported, mean, green fleet of Glasgow Taxis ready to propel the city to an even brighter future.

And here’s hoping one other thing by 2030 – ma gas and electricity bills have calmed doon.

Now they really are Bonkers!

Stay safe.