GLASGOW'S Subway network could run into the early hours to accommodate later opening times for clubs and venues.

SPT said it would consider operating much later to boost the nighttime economy once its £288 million upgrade is complete.

It comes after city licensing chiefs suggested longer opening hours in the hope it could boost the city’s night-time economy.

Club bosses previously claimed that poor transport links were keeping revellers from coming into the city to spend money in bars and nightclubs.

The current licensing policy has been described as ‘restrictive’ with businesses interested in moving towards a more European approach to opening hours.

Venues would only be considered for the later hours if the licence holder can prove they have prioritised public safety, securing gold status or above in the Best Bar None scheme.

SPT Senior director Charlie Hoskins previously said the operator would be looking at extending its hours.

The last Subway services leave stations in the city centre for their depot in Govan at around 11.30pm six days a week and at 6pm on Sundays.

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Late opening hours are already occasionally offered to get passengers home during the festive season or major events.

Much like the ScotRail trains, Subway are forced to close early to allow overnight maintenance to repair tunnels, track and drainage.

Following the system’s upgrade, it is thought that the repair time would be much shorter and therefore allow more time for operation.

An SPT spokesperson said: “While SPT supports initiatives to stimulate Glasgow’s night-time economy, any proposed extension to opening hours would have to be assessed in terms of its impact on transport provision.

“SPT would work with Glasgow City Council, operators and other partners to look at the impact and consider the role of transport in supporting such an initiative.”

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First Bus Glasgow said it would ‘seriously consider’ extending its operating hours to accommodate any licensing changes.

A spokesman for the bus operator said: “We are always open to discussions with the city council, trade associations and other relevant authorities to discuss our services.

“First Glasgow currently operate nine evening bus services within the city, but we are actively monitoring the current levels of passengers using these services due to the change in customers travel patterns, and we are keen to continue and build this market where possible.

“If there is a demand for a service, then it is of course something that we would seriously consider.

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“We are always in close contact with SPT ahead of any alterations to our networks and our night bus services are no different.”

They added: “We believe our services offer a safe, convenient and easy to use alternative to the taxi queue where customers can expect to pay anywhere up to £40 plus to get home. Our easily accessible night bus services run from 12.30am until 4.30am and offer great value for money in comparison at just £2.30 flat fare rate for city/local travel or £4.20 for anywhere else in the Greater Glasgow network.

“It is also now even easier for customers to pay on the bus with contactless payments and mTicketing options now available on all of our services, so there is no need to worry about going to the ATM or having loose change.”

ScotRail said it would be unable to change its final operating times to meet possible demand.

The train operator said it uses the five hour nightly closure to carry out maintenance so could not feasibly run later.

Councillor Allan Casey, who is part of the Strathclyde Partnership for Transport, commented: “Clubs shutting at 4am does not automatically mean everyone leaves at 4am.

“There is a potential for more taxis and private hires to be available and less congestion at taxi queues as people leave venues over a longer period of time, staggering the demand.

“But for a variety of reasons, as Glasgow moves further towards becoming a 24-hour city, I believe the city needs to recommence discussions with bus operators about the viability of operating services throughout the night.

“This consultation and its potential outcome may move that process forward.”