Glasgow Subway is currently undergoing a modernisation programme that began in 2011. The programme includes the refurbishment of all the stations on the network and the introduction of a new smartcard ticketing system. The modernisation works are expected to be completed by 2018.
The Glasgow Subway in Scotland, which carries around 13 million passengers each year, is currently undergoing its biggest modernisation programme in over 30 years. New driverless trains will replace the aging fleet.
Glasgow Subway owner and operator Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT) is undertaking the modernisation programme. The project is estimated to involve an investment of £288m, £246m of which is funded by the Scottish Government. The European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) is also participating in the project funding.
Hillhead station was the first to be upgraded in September 2012 under the modernisation programme, while refurbishment of Partick station was completed in April 2013. A new ticketing system using customer-operated ticket vending machines (TVMs) was brought into service on 11 November 2013.
Modernisation of the Kelvinhall and Ibrox stations started in May 2013. The Ibrox station was completed in January 2014, followed by that of Kelvinhall station in April 2014.
St Enoch station, the flagship city centre station of the subway network, witnessed the start of modernisation works in February 2014. The first phase was completed in July 2014 while the second phase started in September 2014. The works include the construction of a new station office and travel centre along with the installation of street level escalators and new glass canopies inspired by Glasgow’s Kibble Palace. The £5.3 million extensive refurbishment at St Enoch, one of the busiest stations on the system, is anticipated to be complete in the Summer 2015.
The Bridge Street, Cessnock, Shields Road and Kelvinbridge stations are expected to be refurbished during 2015. On completion of these stations, SPT will be more than three quarters of the way through the programme of station refurbishments.
Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT) announced, this February, that it is in the final stages of the five-year quest for a new fleet. Two shortlisted groups (Ansaldo & Stadler Rail on one hand and CAF & Thales on the other hand ) are competing for a contract worth about £200m to build the trains and automated signalling, with a decision due in the next few months. The trains, which will have wi-fi, are expected to run by 2020. However, they will have to provide a unique version for Glasgow, because the six-mile circular system’s gauge – the distance between the rails – is 20cm narrower than standard.
by Elena Ilie
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