Huge modernisation of Glasgow Subway begins

This week saw the start of a huge investment and modernisation of Glasgow's subway system. The work is scheduled to cost £400 million and many local residents feel this is very much overdue, being only the second renovation of the system in the last 115 years. Escorts in Glasgow are known to be very happy at the news given they are frequent travellers on the system.

The work is due to begin at Hillhead, one of the busiest subway stations in the network while Byers Road station is set to be the location of some of the most flamboyant changes. The future figurehead station sees up to 2,000,000 travellers pass through every year and will become a leading light in the subway system.

The idea behind the modernisation is not just to create a more attractive and efficient subway, but also to make sure the system remains a viable transport option for generations to come. Recent years have seen the costs associated with operating and maintaining the subway rise beyond control. This investment is believed to be the best way of keeping costs down long-term, and is hoped to save £150 million over the next 30 years.

Most of the work will be carried out during the night so as to avoid the busiest periods of daytime travel. With 13 million users a year, this is certainly welcome news to daily commuters. At Hillhead alone, it is expected that the ticket office will be relocated, brand-new escalators will be installed and all floors, ceilings and walls will be resurfaced.

It is also believed that a new retail space will be built, giving local businesses an opportunity to cater to the millions of commuters who use the station each year. The modernisation is due to be finished next summer, with more stations being finished in time for the 2014 Commonwealth Games.