Subway Modernisation

Plans to revitalise the Glasgow Subway are progressing at pace.

SPT’s vision for new-look Subway

April 15, 2011 13:19 UKAudio/Video

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Click play button to see architect's visualisation of refurbished Hillhead station.

SPT has plans to carry out a full scale modernisation of the world's third oldest Subway system.

Research has found that £150 million could be saved over a 30-year period through a reduction in operation and maintenance costs and increased revenue by adopting a modernisation strategy.

SPT's outline business case details the 'root and branch' review that was carried out into the system recently.

The case for modernisation focuses on four strategic areas. These are:

Modernisation of working practices and terms and conditions;
'Smartcard' ticketing system linked to wider integrated ticketing;
New trains and signalling with automation; and
Refurbished stations and improved accessibility, including escalator replacement.

The modernisation will transform the system and result in increased patronage, which could potentially reach 18 million by 2040.

The modernisation would also deliver over £280 million transport economic benefits and a further £47 million in wider economic benefits to the region.

Changes to staffing and working arrangements are fundamental to delivering customer improvements and discussions with unions are already under way.

SPT recently awarded a contract to Clancy Docwra for a radical revamp of Hillhead Station in the city's bustling west end and this work will be complete by mid-2012.

It is planned that Hillhead, which will become the flagship for upgrades at all other stations, will remain fully operational during the works. These will include:

the installation of two new escalators;
the relocation of the ticket office and the creation of retail space;
replacement of all materials on floors, walls and ceilings;
new wayfinding, information and signage for passengers;
DDA enhancements including hearing loops, tactile maps, tactile paving and colour contrast flooring;
brighter, more welcoming energy efficient lighting;
the installation of a major public artwork by renowned artist Alasdair Gray.

Alongside this work, SPT has also awarded a £5.6million contract to well-respected firm Otis to replace every escalator on the Subway network. Those currently in place have been in use since the late 1970s and are nearing the end of their operational life. The modern replacements will improve efficiency and reliability, as well as being a vital tool in the safe movement of passengers around the Subway system.

Plans to deliver next generation smart ticketing are also under way with SPT participating in a joint venture with a market leading smart technology firm Ecebs.

The new company has been tasked with delivering a cashless, multi-modal, multi-operator transport card and introducing it on the Glasgow Subway in 2013, well before the Commonwealth Games.

It is hoped that the system will also be rolled out across other modes of transport, creating seamless travel on bus, rail, Subway and ferry services. SPT's ZoneCard ticket could also become a smartcard to replace the traditional paper ticket that has successfully joined up journeys in Strathclyde for over 20 years as modernisation work progresses.

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