SPT unveils new generation of driverless subway train
March 8 2016
This will allow the current three-car sets to be extended to four-cars whilst maintaining the same overall length, with open gangways between to further maximise available space and enable wheelchair access (from Govan and St Enoch Stations only) for the first time.
As part of the work signalling and control systems will also be given a complete overhaul to accommodate the new trains with ‘half height’ platform screen doors also on the way.
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.”
Stadler Bussnang AG / Ansaldo STS Consortium has been awarded the contract to build the new vehicle, the latest component of a £200m modernisation programme which has already seen a number of stations on the network upgraded.
'Half height' platform screen doors will also be built
Walk through cabins will maximise carrying capacity on the diminutive trains
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12 Comments
#1 Posted by Jonas Pedersen on 8 Mar 2016 at 19:02 PM
But no new lines? Half of the stations are useless anyway.
#2 Posted by Brian on 8 Mar 2016 at 21:35 PM
Wheelchair access at 2 station,needs to be looked at.The system needs expanding come on Glasgow .
#3 Posted by Yaldy on 9 Mar 2016 at 09:21 AM
Expansion plans were cancelled when the crash hit. I'm an east end resident and would love the subway expanded, but I'd be shocked if that's even remotely affordable just now. The main line is over 100 years old I think.
#4 Posted by Davr on 9 Mar 2016 at 09:30 AM
#2 Agreed. It is quite shocking actually that there are not more disabled facilities already on the underground. It should be relatively easy to implement (compared to other cities). Unlike London, for example, most stations are just one or two levels below street level, so don’t require deep lift shafts
#5 Posted by Chris on 9 Mar 2016 at 09:56 AM
Apparently not enough money for infrastructure investment. An yet at the same time London gets Crossrail, Crossrail 2, HS2, golden toilet paper....
#6 Posted by It's not all bad on 9 Mar 2016 at 10:39 AM
#5 - But we are getting a new Forth crossing, dualling of A9 and A96, M8 upgrade - to name just a few large scale infrastructure projects...
#7 Posted by Matt on 9 Mar 2016 at 11:32 AM
Good. I'm all for improving our transport systems and automation of drivers and signalling sounds efficient. New trains look shiny.
However, I was in London at the weekend and was struck by how ridiculously easy it was to use the bus / train / underground with the integrated tickets and contactless / Oyster payment system.
I think integrated tickets and real 'smart' card travel on Glasgows buses, underground and suburban trains would increase passenger numbers significantly more (and significantly improve the passengers journey experience) than simply getting some shinier trains.
However, I was in London at the weekend and was struck by how ridiculously easy it was to use the bus / train / underground with the integrated tickets and contactless / Oyster payment system.
I think integrated tickets and real 'smart' card travel on Glasgows buses, underground and suburban trains would increase passenger numbers significantly more (and significantly improve the passengers journey experience) than simply getting some shinier trains.
#8 Posted by SPT on 9 Mar 2016 at 13:12 PM
@ #7...like a sort of zonal system where a card could be used on the Underground, Buses and above ground train services. Possibly rolled out across the city and wider region? Hmmm...I like it...why has no-one thought of a 'Card for Zones' or a 'Zone-card' thingy ma jig??
#9 Posted by Arthur Negus on 9 Mar 2016 at 14:24 PM
@ #8 ... no, most definitely not a Zonecard.
An Oyster card allows you to use a pre-paid card on a 'pay-as-you-go' basis on both bus and train. A Zonecard is for a set amount of time (ie. 1/4/10 weeks). For irregular public transport users, a Zonecard is no use as it is terrible value for money.
As it stands, there is no 'pay-as-you-go' option which can be used on both bus and train/subway. Hence the reason why Matt suggested a 'smart' card and not the super-sarcastic 'Card for Zones' which you offer.
An Oyster card allows you to use a pre-paid card on a 'pay-as-you-go' basis on both bus and train. A Zonecard is for a set amount of time (ie. 1/4/10 weeks). For irregular public transport users, a Zonecard is no use as it is terrible value for money.
As it stands, there is no 'pay-as-you-go' option which can be used on both bus and train/subway. Hence the reason why Matt suggested a 'smart' card and not the super-sarcastic 'Card for Zones' which you offer.
#10 Posted by Fraser on 9 Mar 2016 at 17:38 PM
We must return the favour and respond to SPT in the same manner; your customer relations are second to none! How petty. There is a serious point to be made here; the system improvements are needed and quite frankly long over due, but so is an extension. Any other sane city in Europe would beg to have Glasgow's latent infrastructure.
#11 Posted by Brian on 9 Mar 2016 at 19:11 PM
Glasgow is sitting on a goldmine of disused lines and a couple tunnels that other cities would envy,Even if we cant epand it in its present format we could have some form of light rail to hook up with the subway as we do trains!! we dont have to dig up city centre streets to get it through either.Even Blackpool is expanding its tramline to North station,Remember doing light rail in Glasgow is not the same as in Eburgh .
#12 Posted by justathought on 9 Mar 2016 at 20:38 PM
Lets be honest. SPT is not fit for purpose. This is light years behind where the city should be. Oyster card great. So why something fairly simple cannot be rolled out here by them after all they claim joined up journeys....as glasgow has the least car ownership they have failed the city. Where are they in fighting for bus route improvements? SPT? Couldn't fight sleep.
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