Go-ahead for �290m Subway revamp

The proposals would see the Subway transformed over the next 30 years

A £290m revamp plan has been approved for Glasgow's ageing Subway system.

Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT) has backed proposals which could see the introduction of driverless trains and upgraded stations.

The authority will now ask the Scottish government for an additional £5m a year in funding for the first decade of a 30-year investment programme.

SPT will seek to raise the bulk of the cash for the overhaul by borrowing against existing assets.

A report which the transport authority approved on Friday said the proposed changes would require a 25% reduction in the system's 350-strong workforce.

It stated, however, that there would be no compulsory redundancies as most of the staffing cuts could be achieved through retirements as the new system came online.

Under the plans, all 15 stations on the six-mile long system would be redeveloped, disabled access improved and a smartcard ticketing system would be implemented.

SPT chairman Jon Findlay said: "I'm delighted that the SPT Board has approved the business case for subway modernisation.

"SPT's plans are realistic and deliverable and have been backed by business leaders, local and national politicians and the public."

He said that the support of government would be critical to the plan.

Glasgow's Subway system was built in 1896. The last major revamp was in 1977.