BOSSES have unveiled a four-year plan to boost the use of public transport to get to Glasgow Airport.

Airport operator BAA and Strathclyde Partnership for Transport want numbers to rise from 11% today to 15% by 2012, or from 880,000 to 1.2million.

The plan will look at introducing new bus routes and whether it is possible to provide bus and taxi lanes.

It also aims to cut the number of passengers being dropped off and picked up, which is environmentally damaging as it requires four car journeys.

Airport bosses will also encourage their 5000 staff to leave the car behind and will promote a journey share scheme.

Managing director Amanda McMillan said: "We have made real progress, increasing the percentage of passengers using public transport, reducing the number of single car journeys, supporting new bus routes and prioritising terminal forecourt access for public transport buses.

"These are real achievements, but we need to go further. Glasgow Airport does not compare well with similarly sized airports for public transport usage.

"This new strategy seeks to address this deficit by actively prioritising public transport."

Airport planning manager Ross Nimmo added: "It is vital we develop attractive and innovative alternatives to the car for staff to get to and from their workplace."

Ralph Robert, of Arriva Scotland, which runs a 24/7 airport bus service from the City Centre, said: "Those who travel by bus help reduce congestion and carbon emissions - and save money."