The head of Strathclyde Partnership for Transport has said closing the Subway is not on the table despite estimated lockdown passenger losses of up to £20million.

Councillor Martin Bartos, Chairman of SPT, said crunch talks due to be held on Friday aim to secure the future of the underground and said a modernisation programme would continue.

The transport authority is predicting a deficit of between £12.5 and £20million due to passenger losses over lockdown that peaked at 97% in March and from which it secures most of its revenue. The Subway has continued to operate a daily service for essential workers during the pandemic.

SPT say Transport Scotland has provided crisis aid to private bus and rail providers but it has received no help, along with the Edinburgh trams service.

He said: “Closing the Subway is not an option on the table. 

"Given the investment the Government and SPT has put into Subway modernisation, and the work that has been done to upgrade and the system, the rollout of modernisation will continue.

“The aim of the Partnership paper is to look at ways we can ensure the future for Subway and all SPT services.

"Transport Scotland has stepped in to fund other transport modes and is well aware of our need for support.”