Passengers using Glasgow Subway should begin to notice several changes following a major milestone in the £288 million modernisation of the network.
The Subway reopened on Monday, 31 August, after closing completely the previous day for final testing of its new signalling and communications system.
It was the fourth Sunday closure during July and August, with services also suspended on 19 July and 16 and 23 August.
The closures allowed engineers to test trains using the new equipment, transfer the running of the network to a state-of-the-art operational control centre and simulate a full passenger service.
Among the most visible changes are new half-height platform screen doors at Govan, Partick and Ibrox stations, which are being brought into operation following extensive testing.
Passengers should also receive fully automated announcements, more detailed information on screens inside trains and improved live travel displays at stations.
The new technology represents one of the most significant stages in the long-running modernisation of the Victorian underground railway.
Richard Robinson, SPT director of transport operations, said: “We have now reached another crucial point for Subway modernisation.
“The installation of the new signalling and comms system into our Victorian Subway was always going to be the most challenging of the modernisation programme.”
SPT said staff had been testing every possible operational scenario before passengers were introduced to the new system.
The screen doors will eventually be installed at all 15 Subway stations and form an important part of plans to introduce unattended – or driverless – trains.
Glasgow Subway’s new fleet was first introduced in December 2023, with the older trains withdrawn from passenger service in June 2024.
The 17 custom-built trains have four carriages rather than three and feature open gangways, dedicated wheelchair spaces and improved passenger information systems.
Other work completed as part of the modernisation programme includes the refurbishment of all 15 stations, improvements to the original tunnels and drainage system, smart ticketing and the introduction of contactless payments.
The move towards driverless trains could also allow the Subway to operate for longer, particularly at weekends.
SPT has approved proposals for trains to run until 12.30am on Fridays and Saturdays, while Sunday services could eventually operate from 6.30am until 11.30pm.
Extended hours will not begin until platform screen doors have been installed throughout the network and unattended train operation is ready to start.
Around 13 million passenger journeys are made on Glasgow Subway each year. The circular network, which first opened in December 1896, is the third-oldest underground railway in the world.