"HUGELY ambitious" proposals to dramatically expand the rail network in Clydebank to include a new station at Duntocher and a direct link to Glasgow Airport have been welcomed by an MSP.

Ross Greer, from the Scottish Greens, praised Scottish Government plans to expand the train network across Greater Glasgow as part of 45 new projects from its latest transport strategy.

Known as the 'Clyde Metro' the massive expansion covering communities within fifteen miles of Glasgow City Centre will include two new rail lines for Clydebank.

The proposed new lines - one running from Bearsden to Glasgow via Duntocher and Clydebank, and another linking Dalmuir, Renfrew, Glasgow Airport and Paisley - has been described by Mr Greer as "hugely ambitious" but one that could prove the difference between choosing the care or choosing the train to travel.

He said: "Since the Scottish Greens joined the Scottish Government we’ve been serious about delivering massive investment in our public transport network, making it easier for people to choose the train or bus and leave their car at home.

"The recent announcement that peak time rail fares will be removed from next September is a clear example of that.

“To choose the train though, we must bring lines far closer to many of our communities and make services on existing lines more regular and reliable.

"That’s exactly what the hugely ambitious Clyde Metro project will achieve.

"A project of this scale will take a few decades from start to finish, but I am excited that we are now getting started.”