Old Subway carriages 'could be transformed into coffee shops and toilets' as former fleet up for sale

Former Subway carriages that have carried millions of passengers since coming into service in 1980 could be given a new lease of life – as coffee shops and toilets.

One Glasgow councillor made the suggestion to repurpose the carriages after the old fleet was put up for sale for £5,000 each.

Following a 43-year-old legacy, the fleet moved out of passenger schedule in 2024, after being replaced by 17 new trains.

The Riverside Museum in Glasgow’s West End took in one of the old carriages – known as the ‘Clockwork Orange’ trains – with Car 128 now on display for visitors at the venue.

Stadler, the rail stock manufacturers currently in procession of the old stock, said the rest of the fleet was being “disposed of responsibility” – but they are open to selling the carriages.

The carriages are available for purchase at the fee of £5,000, with potential buyers responsible for uplift and costs of collection.

Any un-sold carriages will be scrapped at the end of August.

The old trains have completed an estimated 2.6m miles each in passenger service, approximately 400,600 loops. iStock

Glasgow City Councillor Ruairi Kelly took to social media to suggest that the old carriages would make “great coffee shops or public toilets”.

He added: “I’ve asked officers to look into purchasing a few of these ASAP.”

The transport firm confirmed it had already received a few offers that are “under review”.

A spokesperson for Stadler said: “As more new trains enter passenger service on the Glasgow Subway, the legacy fleet is gradually being withdrawn and disposed of responsibly.

“We are delighted that the Riverside Museum has secured one of the old trains, which is now on display for the citizens of Glasgow and beyond to view and enjoy. We have received a few other enquiries, and these are currently under review.

“For businesses and profit-making entities, Stadler has set a fee of £5,000 to cover the cost of scrappage. However, we have waived this fee for charities and not-for-profit organisations.

“This, we hope, may mean that one or two further carriages are available for the general public to see, promoting the city’s rich history and culture. Costs associated with transport and logistics will remain the responsibility of interested parties, including charities and not-for-profit organisations.

“Should any individual or organisation like to learn more about acquiring one, they’re advised to contact Stadler no later than the end of August.

“The fantastic, state-of-the-art new METRO train are transforming the travel experience for Subway passengers. In collaboration with Strathclyde Partnership for Transport and other key stakeholders, we look forward to seeing more introduced into service over the coming weeks.”