New look for the Glasgow Subway
Orders placed for new trains which should be running by 2020
The design for the new trains for the Glasgow Subway has been revealed.
Strathclyde Partnership for Transport has approved the award of contracts to Stadler Bussnang AG / Ansaldo STS Consortium for the supply of new trains, signalling and equipment, valued at £200 million.
The fully automatic trains are expected to be in service by 2020.
SPT Chair Jonathan Finlay said: “The new Rolling stock will provide the travelling public with a much improved journey experience and the system will be more flexible in terms of frequency and availability.”
SPT Chief Executive Gordon Maclennan said: “This contract is a key part of our plan to modernise the Subway for generations to come. We are all aware of the proud rail history of the Subway as the third oldest in the world and our plans for modernisation will ensure that the Subway continues to be an essential component in the transport network of the future.”
The dimensions of the Glasgow Subway are unique, and therefore the new trains will be the same length and size as existing rolling stock but will be a four-car set, as opposed to the current three-car set, with open gangways to maximise the space available and allow for wheelchair access with wheelchair users able to access the system at St Enoch in the City Centre and Govan at the new transport interchange which is currently under construction.
The system will include new platform screen doors, which will be ‘half height’ to preserve as much space and openness within the stations as possible while still maintaining passenger safety and security.