28 April 2008
More passengers and investment for Subway
The number of passengers using the Glasgow Subway has increased by almost one million, according to annual figures.
SPT recorded 14.45 million passenger journeys on the system to the end of March 2008, compared with 13.49 million in the previous year.
It was the highest recorded figure in seven years and confirmed analysis published by SPT at the end of last year.
The figures were revealed as SPT announced plans to spend more than £8m on improvements to the Subway.
The investment is part of an overall modernisation, which includes a range of measures to improve passenger safety, provide better facilities and make stations brighter and more attractive.
They will be introduced in a continuing programme of activity which includes a £2.6m contract to install a digital radio system on trains to improve communication with staff and emergency services.
Other improvements include:
- £900,000 for trailer car refurbishment;
- £750,000 on tunnel reinforcement;
- £500,000 on a new Subway ticketing system;
- £500,000 on passenger platform screens at Ibrox and Hillhead.
In announcing the investment, SPT stressed that it still requires funding to undertake large scale improvements to the system.
SPT Director of Subway operations, David Wallace said: "We are constantly making improvements to the Subway.
"We can’t provide an overnight change but we’ve started the modernisation process and step by step we’ll provide passengers with a better journey experience more in tune with 21st Century standards."
SPT Chair, Councillor Alistair Watson, expressed delight at the rise in passenger numbers.
He said: "The total of 14.45 million passenger journeys is great news and a clear indication that more and more people are choosing to use the system.
"Despite the age of the Subway and the fact that it needs ongoing refurbishment, passengers still recognise that it’s a great way to get around Glasgow."