SPT’s partnership will consider proposed new Subway opening hours to come into effect once Subway modernisation is complete at their regular committee meeting on Friday this week.

SPT has stated consistently throughout the modernisation period that once the modernisation programme is complete with platform screen doors (PSDs) installed at all stations, and Unattended Train Operation (UTO) is in operation, then it will be in a position to extend Subway service hours beyond the current schedule.

SPT Chair Councillor Stephen Dornan said:

“We are all aware that there is a real ask from Subway users for extended Subway operating hours especially on a Sunday and it has long been a commitment of SPT to revise the operating hours once Subway modernisation is fully complete.

“However, there are still a number of issues we need to consider including future maintenance requirements of the system and future staffing which we need to consider alongside longer operating hours.”

The proposed new Subway operating hours to be introduced once UTO in operation are:

As part of the proposal to go to partnership, SPT has compared operations of other Subway systems across Europe with comparable population size to look at their operational hours and patronage numbers.

In addition, SPT has been in talks with trade union colleagues for some time to consider the potentially revised terms and conditions for rostered station staff, and implications for drivers, as well as engineering and maintenance teams which maintain Subway infrastructure and keep the system running.

SPT vice chair Councillor Alan Moir said:

“The impact of extended operating hours on daily and essential maintenance as well as engineering activities has been carefully considered as part of the proposal. The revised timetable has been developed to ensure that sufficient non-operational windows remain available to undertake planned maintenance, inspections, and engineering works necessary to maintain the safety, reliability, and performance of the Subway system.”

To ensure the extended hours are effective and financially sustainable, the proposal includes

implementing the new schedule on a two-year review basis. This review period will allow for:

• Careful monitoring of passenger uptake and operational performance
• Responsive adjustments based on real-world usage patterns
• Evaluation of cost-efficiency and service impact

Vice chair Councillor David Wilson added:

“While we all fully support the move to the new Subway operating hours, we do also have to consider the impact on our staff and the additional costs of running the service for longer during the week. As with all new transport operations, time will be required to build patronage so we will be keeping the revised operating hours under review for the first two years.”