No Sunday Subway services in Glasgow as system to close for testing of new trains

Glasgow’s Subway is set to close on Sunday to allow testing of its new trains.

Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT) said the measure was necessary as they must complete 2,000 miles – around 308 laps of the line – of fault-free running in the system.

The system initially closed to passengers on July 30, and will close again on August 20.

Replacement buses will be running between Govan and Partick, free of charge for intending Subway customers.

The trains will be brought into service this year as part of a £288m modernisation programme.

SPT head of engineering Mark Toner said: “This is the last stage in the critical train testing programme before the new trains can be introduced into passenger service.

“While the trains have been thoroughly tested both off-site at our dedicated train track and in the system at night, they now have to complete 2000 miles in the system – that’s about 308 times round the Subway – fault-free.

“I know Subway users have been very keen to see the new trains in service – as have we – so this is a very exciting time for everyone involved.”

Fault-free run testing is standard practice for the introduction of any new trains.

If any problems emerge, the train is removed from the system for the fault to be fixed.

The clock is then reset and the train must complete 2,000 miles without incident.

SPT said further Sunday closures can be expected for the installation of new communications and signalling later in the year.