Scotland's second city is on the cusp of a transport revolution, with plans confirmed to introduce driverless underground trains on the Glasgow Subway from late 2026. This major technological leap will make it one of the first systems of its kind in the United Kingdom.
A Historic System Embraces the Future
The Glasgow Subway, which is the world's third-oldest underground railway, carries approximately 13 million passengers annually. This driverless initiative is the culmination of a sweeping modernisation programme, described by operators as the most significant investment in the network for 45 years. The project has already seen new trains introduced last year, alongside station refurbishments and new signalling.
While the new four-carriage trains, with their open gangways, are already in service, their full autonomous capability is being finalised. The Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT) confirmed that all trains are custom-built for the subway's unique, small-scale tunnels. Engineers are now conducting final tests on the Unattended Train Operation (UTO) system.
Safety and Operation: How It Will Work
Passenger safety is at the forefront of the upgrade. New half-height platform screen doors are being installed across all 15 stations, designed to prevent access to the tracks while maintaining an open feel. These will integrate with an enhanced CCTV network monitored from a new control centre.
Richard Robinson, SPT’s Director of Transport Operations, stated that while the system will be technically capable of full automation, a staff presence may be retained initially. "Whilst our new system will be capable of Unattended Train Operation, there may be a requirement for some staff presence within the system beyond this point," he explained, noting this is part of ongoing operational planning.
How Glasgow Compares to London's Transport
Glasgow's move places it at the forefront of automated rail in the UK. London's Docklands Light Railway (DLR) has operated without drivers since the late 1980s, using a similar UTO model. However, plans to extend driverless technology to the London Underground have been paused by Mayor Sadiq Khan, making Glasgow's rollout particularly notable.
The exact launch date for the autonomous service remains under wraps but is scheduled for the second half of 2026. This final phase of integration is described as the most complex, bringing together new trains, signalling, and safety systems into one fully automated operation.
