SPT invests £120,000 to improve Glasgow Subway rides by reducing noise and shakiness on new train fleet.
The new trains started a year ago. Dampers reduce train noise that comes from car movement.
The trains were safe, and there were no safety issues. However, riders said trips felt shaky. People did complain about bumpy rides.
A report showed the cost. SPT paid £119,256.80 for 102 dampers, including labor, materials, and technical support.
The new trains launched during improvements. The project cost £280 million. Work began in 2016, and old trains were replaced starting in 2023.
New trains are wheelchair accessible and more modern than old ones. However, some stations aren’t accessible. Glasgow’s subway is a circle.
The circular route is not always smooth. Riders said new trains felt rougher and reported more extreme shaking. Seventeen new trains arrived in 2024.
The trains were custom-made because Glasgow’s subway has a unique size. SPT will add platform screen doors to all platform areas.
SPT wants driverless trains in the subway in the future. A spokesperson responded to feedback, explaining they added dampers to new trains to improve ride quality.
The manufacturer met train standards, but SPT wanted to improve the ride more. So, they added extra dampers. The mentioned price excluded VAT, which SPT can reclaim, meaning it does not add net costs.