Springburn Workforce Deliver 1.7 million Contract for SPT

As part of SPT's ambitious plans to modernise the Subway system, the first of eight trailer cars to be refurbished returns to passenger service today (14 August 2007).

The trailer car has been completely rebuilt and its interior redesigned to make the Subway travel experience more attractive for passengers. It began service in 1992 and after 15 years in use, was in need of a radical upgrade.

Today also marks the end of an era for the orange Subway car. The fleet's last remaining orange car is next in line for refurbishment and has been taken out of service.

The first of the newly refurbished trailer cars has a bright blue exterior, indicating SPT's support of Glasgow's bid to host the 2014 Commonwealth Games.

On the technical side, the car has been fitted with new suspension and braking systems. The couplings that link trailers together have also been renewed. The interior upholstery has been completed replaced with a contemporary colour scheme, in line with SPT's trademark carmine and cream colours.

New interior lighting has been installed to make it easier for visually impaired passengers to identify doors, contrasts and seating. Other improvements to the trailer include a redesign of interior hand rails, in line with the requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act.

The work was carried out by Springburn based, Railcare Ltd. The company was awarded the £1.7m contract in 2006. Railcare Ltd is one of a diminishing number of companies with the necessary skills and expertise to carry out this type of heavy rail engineering work.

SPT Chair Councillor Alistair Watson is delighted that tangible evidence of the organisation's commitment to modernising the Subway is now apparent.

He said: "The Subway system has served Glasgow well for more than a hundred years and remains an important part of the transport infrastructure. We're under no illusion that Glasgow, as a 21st century city, needs a modern Subway and have already identified two options for the long term expansion of the system. The current programme of rolling stock refurbishment is much needed and ensures that in the short term, passengers travel in greater comfort for a more pleasant journey."

David Wallace, Director of Subway Operations said: "This refurbishment work will improve the travelling experience for our customers. To this end, a great deal of the detailed design effort has gone into improving the interior of the car, as well as making it easier for partially sighted passengers to use. The engineering improvements to this car will help to ensure continued reliability in service and we are delighted with the results."

Paul Martin MSP who represents the constituency where Railcare ltd is located added: "This contract was extemely important to the workforce of railcare, Springburn has along and proud history of delivering high quality workmanship in the Rail industry."