Transport Scotland have reported that the Scottish Government has reaffirmed its commitment to help with plans to modernise the Glasgow Subway.
Finance Secretary John Swinney has reportedly agreed to make a substantial capital contribution to support Strathclyde Partnership for Transport’s (SPT) modernisation proposals.
Mr Swinney said:
“I’m delighted to announce today that following careful consideration of Strathclyde Partnership for Transport’s outline business case for modernising the Subway, the Scottish Government has agreed to provide a substantial capital contribution to enable SPT to progress the plans.
“We believe this announcement when combined with the Scottish Government’s ongoing capital grant provides sufficient reassurance for SPT to raise funds from other sources and progress with the subway modernisation now.
“We recognise the central role the subway plays in the economic life of Glasgow and Scotland by helping people go about their business effectively, providing vital connections around the city and making onward connections. It’s role in providing a resilient form of transport was also demonstrated during the recent severe weather.
“SPT’s long term modernisation proposals will include new trains, new automated signals, refurbished stations with improved accessibility and smartcard ticketing – all essential upgrades to make Glasgow’s subway fit for the 21st century.
“My officials have worked closely with SPT for some time and there is clear merit in the outline business case. It is important, at this early stage that SPT is given every possible reassurance. That is why we have reaffirmed our longer term commitment to helping realise the Glasgow subway modernisation and have put a marker down that our intention is to make a substantial capital contribution to the overall construction costs.”
