All 15 stations are to be redeveloped with better disabled access and electronic ticketing. More controversially new, driverless trains will be introduced on the six mile system.
Says John Swinney, Finance Secretary at the Scottish government, ‘We recognise the central role the subway plays in the economic life of Glasgow and Scotland by helping people go about their business effectively, providing vital connections around the city and making onward connections.
‘My officials have worked closely with SPT (Strathclyde Partnership for Transport) for some time and there is clear merit in the outline business case.’ The news has been welcomed by pro-rail campaigners in Scotland.
Says Calum McCallum of Transform Scotland, ‘We wholeheartedly welcome today’s announcement of Scottish Government support for the Glasgow Subway modernisation. With the last major upgrade having taken place over 30 years ago, this programme is now necessary to ensure the day-to-day reliability of the system.’
The subway has a narrow gauge of just four feet and the tunnels are small with a diameter of 11 feet. The Glasgow Subway originally opened on 14 December 1896 and is the third oldest in the world, after London and Budapest.
