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Business says modernisation makes sense
April, 2010
SPT’s case for Subway modernisation has been given significant backing by the business community.
Stuart Patrick, chief executive of Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, believes a modern efficient Subway has to be an integral part of the city’s transport network for years to come.
Speaking to SPT Express, he said the ’spend to save’ business case for modernisation makes it the only viable option for the future.
SPT’s Subway business case would result in huge savings for the public purse due to reduced operation and maintenance costs.
Mr Patrick said: “There’s a real chance here to have a fresh look at the Subway and make the sums add up better through a sensible upfront capital investment.
“It would cost an additional £70million to do a proper modernisation of the system and that saves £220million in operating costs.
“You’re getting back your capital investment three times over and that has to be a pretty compelling starting point for winning the case for modernisation.”
The Subway was last modernised more than 30 years ago. If it is not upgraded in the near future, transport experts have warned that the system might have to close.
Stuart Patrick described that scenario as inconceivable.
He said: “I wouldn’t even consider closure as a serious option. The idea of taking away an existing piece of infrastructure that reduces car congestion in the city centre, that is an important link for so many communities and that is likely to grow in importance as the River Clyde regeneration project comes on, would seem remarkably short sighted.”
Mr Patrick predicted that a modernised Subway would grow in importance in years to come, with the business community supportive of SPT’s plans.
He said: “We understand it is reaching the end of its useful life at the moment and we understand that, if it runs in its current state, it will cost a lot more money than if we put a modest amount of investment into it.
“We believe that the Subway is going to help us in managing the traffic congestion in the city centre for many years to come. I think we’ve got a fairly strong case for modernisation and I’m sure the business community sees the value in that.”