In a major milestone for Glasgow Subway, we're proud to announce that our modernisation Joint Venture (JV) contractors Stadler and Hitachi have run the first two trial exercises with a new Subway train in the system.

The first of the new Subway trains entered the system following the close of passenger service on Saturday 4 December, running through the night into Sunday 5 December.

The initial exercise was to run a new train from the JV testing site to Broomloan Depot and then to Govan Station – firstly to see that the train could travel under its own power into the Subway.  The second stage was to see if the depot locos (normally used to move equipment around the system for our night maintenance teams or to rescue broken-down trains) could take the train out of the system should they be needed at any point to “rescue” a train.

Both exercises proved very successful. Planning is now underway to begin the planned for, intensive testing of the new trains in the Subway system next year.

SPT Subway Director Antony Smith said:

“I am delighted that these initial exercises, ahead of the in-system testing which is due to begin next year, went well.  This has been an event long in the planning.  It is an indication that things are moving forward again after a challenging year for the project with the impact of COVID and lockdowns as well as the subsequent travel restrictions for our contractors.

“However, as 2021 comes to an end, getting the first train into the system is real progress and a sign, that we can hope 2022 sees us get back on track with the modernisation programme.”