The Scottish Government has confirmed £246 million in capital
funding for Strathclyde
Partnership for Transport (SPT), to help meet the cost of the
Glasgow Subway's full modernisation.
Jonathan Findlay, chairman, SPT, said, "Massive changes are
coming down the line for the Subway and we've already committed
millions to station upgrades, new escalators and smart card ticket
technology, as well as behind the scenes repairs to tunnels and
track beds."
"The support from the Scottish Government is hugely important
and with its financial backing, Glasgow can look forward to a fully
modernised Subway that will be the envy of other cities around the
UK."
SPT's research has shown that upgrading the Subway could lead to
savings of £150million over the next 30 years, due to reduced
operation and maintenance costs while patronage, currently 13
million a year, could reach 17 million.
SPT has pledged to keep the Subway operating throughout all
refurbishment works and the majority of modernisation works should
be complete by 2020.
Glasgow's Subway is a fast, easy way to get around the city
centre and the West End. With trains running every 4 minutes,
it takes only 24 minutes to complete the full circuit of 15
stations.