The first new Glasgow Subway trains have arrived in the city.
The arrival of the new rolling stock will see the start of a testing programme by manufacturer Stadler before they enter service on the city’s underground network.
Once it has been ensured they’re fit for purpose, they’ll be handed over to Strathclyde Passenger Transport to enter passenger service.
A fantastic look behind the scenes at the arrival of our new trains in Glasgow today! pic.twitter.com/9XPplDKNRS
— Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (@SPTcorporate) May 4, 2019
SPT Chair Councillor Dr Martin Bartos said: “This is a fantastic day for the Subway and for everyone involved in the delivery of the Subway modernisation programme. We are delighted to see the first new train in Glasgow.
“It’s a big day for the project team who have worked tirelessly to achieve this milestone for the organisation.”
Pictures of the trains being transported north of the border had been shared by eagle-eyed Scots on social media yesterday.
They were spotted on an abnormal load on the M74 and at Hamilton services.
Hmmm… I wonder where these are going… any ideas @GlasgowSubway? #ClockworkOrange pic.twitter.com/WjGGh9d0yL
— Connor McQuade (@ConMcQ) May 2, 2019
The first of the rolling stock will now begin a lengthy, offline testing period while work continues to install the new communications and controls systems in stations and tunnels necessary for the trains to run.
It’s all part of the £288million Subway modernisation programme which also includes a major refurbishment of the system’s 15 stations as well as a complete overhaul of the Victorian tunnel system.
The work also includes the replacement of the Subway’s main infrastructure including tracks and the ramps and turnouts section where the trains enter and exit the system.
Due to the unique dimensions of the Subway, the new train sets are the same length and size as the existing rolling stock.
Inside, passengers will now be able to walk the entire length of the train, and enjoy an open front view into the tunnels.
Two more new trains are due to be delivered by the end of the summer for the first phase of testing.
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