Glasgow to get driverless trains in 2026 as part of city rail modernisation

Glasgow will become the first UK city to run driverless trains on its subway, with Unattended Train Operation planned for the second half of 2026 as part of a broader rail modernization program. The Strathclyde Partnership for Transport said the transition hinges on the installation and testing of platform screen doors at all 15 refurbished stations, and on ensuring the integrated system is fully capable before UTO can begin.

Under the modernization, 17 trains will serve the network, which is being upgraded at 15 stations. The new trains are four-car units with open gangways that increase capacity and passenger flow. Smartcard ticketing was announced earlier this year, bringing contactless payments to Glasgow's subway.

SPT has said platform screen doors installation is a prerequisite for UTO, with the first doors already installed at Govan and plans to roll out at Ibrox and Partick to support system testing and operational integration. Testing across the network will continue as doors and automated systems are validated before a transition to driverless operation.

Officials emphasized that staff presence will continue in some form even after UTO is introduced. Station staff will assist passengers and manage operations during particularly busy periods, events in the city, late nights or weekends, underscoring that passenger safety remains the guiding priority during the transition.

The modernization is described by officials as the most complex phase of delivery. A Strathclyde spokesperson noted that while the new system will be capable of unattended operation, there may be a need for staff presence within the system beyond the initial UTO rollout as operations are refined and risks are managed.

Glasgow’s subway modernization began with new trains in 2023 as part of a full-scale upgrade to improve a system that had not seen major changes in more than 30 years. The renovations have continued, and officials say the project remains in its final stages. Alongside four-car trains and open gangways, the fleet will include 17 trains in total and a renewed passenger experience with contactless payment options and enhanced accessibility.

Across Europe, driverless rail projects have gained momentum. This summer, Europe’s first driverless train, named Edita, completed its debut journey on a test route in the Czech Republic, on a 15-mile line that connects two towns on a track once abandoned in 2010. The project, led by AZD, involved significant investment and EU funding to advance autonomous rail technology and signaling systems. AZD described the vehicle as autonomous in traction, braking and speed control, equipped with object-detection technology to respond to obstacles. The Czech trial underscores the trend toward automation in urban rail and long-distance lines alike, even as cities like Glasgow approach careful phasing to ensure safety and reliability as they transition to driverless operations.

Officials in Glasgow say the path to driverless trains will be measured and deliberate, prioritizing passenger safety and continuity of service while the new systems are tested and staff adapt to a changing operating model. The aim is to deliver a modern, resilient subway that can handle growing demand while maintaining the high standards of safety and accessibility that riders expect.