Glasgow Subway First with Underground Phone Calls
EE customers will be able to use their mobiles while trains are both at platforms and in tunnels as part of an upgrade of the system expected to be completed next year. Glasgow Subway
Underground trains are among the few remaining places where phones can’t be used – and it remains to be seen whether callers will be able to hear over the rattle of the Subway trains’ noisy shoogle.
Passengers could previously only use their phones in stations and wifi for data, under an old system which was switched off after it became unreliable.
Ahead of its introduction, EE has installed a new 4G network in the Subway’s 15 stations in time for the COP26 climate change conference, which starts on Sunday. It said the improved 4G coverage would enable people with EE-connected phones to call, text and access data, such as for social media and apps.
The upgrade also means people will be able to continue calls and use data while walking between the street and station platforms without needing to connect to the Subway’s wifi.
A spokesperson for BT-owned EE told: “At present, you can make calls in the stations over 4G. When EE has completed work in the tunnels over the coming months, you will be able to make calls there too. It will provide uninterrupted coverage for EE customers across the Subway. This isn’t available in London yet, so is a first for the UK in Scotland.”
The spin-off for passengers is thanks to a new emergency services network (ESN) being installed on the 124-year-old circular railway, which is the third oldest in the world after London and Budapest.
The network will be used by police, fire and rescue, and ambulance staff for calls and sending data and video.
The ESN will take priority over all other network traffic to ensure the speed of first responders receiving important data is not affected.
Valerie Davidson, acting chief executive of Strathclyde Partnership for Transport, which operates the Subway, said: “As more and more people are using a smartphone, there is, quite rightly, an increased demand and expectation for good connectivity to be available everywhere as they move about.
“The next stage will be getting 4G into our tunnels.
“When this is complete, passengers will also be able to make or accept calls when travelling with us.”
Police Scotland Chief Inspector Stevie Espie said:
“The deployment of 4G coverage and ESN within the SPT Subway system is vital for the emergency services.
“ESN will allow emergency responders enhanced, priority-based access to their critical communications system, even in busier periods.”
The development comes ahead of the introduction of the Glasgow Subway’s groundbreaking new trains, which will eventually operate with no driver or other staff on board, in another British first.
They are currently expected to start service next year – two years later than planned – and initially with drivers with drivers.
However, this has yet to be confirmed following delays to the Subway’s £289 million overhaul – the biggest for 40 years.
Glasgow Subway Smart technology
Major achievements have been achieved in company ticketing system in recent years. Working with Nevis Technologies Glasgow Subway continues to forge ahead with the Smartcard ticketing system.
The Subway introduced reusable plastic Smartcards in autumn 2013 replacing paper magnetic strip tickets. Passengers can add credit and Subway travel products to their Smartcards at self-serve machines and station ticket offices across all 15 Subway stations.
Major achievements have been achieved in Glasgow Subway ticketing system in recent years too. Working with Nevis Technologies company continues to forge ahead with the Smartcard ticketing system.
The Subway introduced reusable plastic Smartcards in autumn 2013 replacing paper magnetic strip tickets. Passengers can add credit and Subway travel products to their Smartcards at self-serve machines and station ticket offices across all 15 Subway stations.
As of April 2019,Glasgow Subway has issued more than 200,000 Smartcards. Following the successful launch of online ticket sales for personalised Smartcard holders making it easier for our passengers to arrange and pay for travel. More than a quarter of all annual and six-month Subway season tickets are now purchased online.
Glasgow Subway is also continuing to work with other travel operators to develop more integrated travel options for commuters to make travelling by public transport easier, sothey can offer real integrated ticketing options for passengers. In the future, your Subway Smartcard could be used seamlessly between different transport modes (such as bus, train and ferry) and even to buy other everyday items such as coffee and cake on your way to work.
The technology behind Smartcard provides more flexible travel by offering customers the benefits of a contactless, paperless, system. A key aspect of the introduction of Smartcards is the need for the new technology to be ITSO-compliant (ITSO is the national specification, or industry standard, for Smart ticketing).
