The Subway is to get more cash help from the Scottish Government after lockdown reduced its income.

It will share in a £5.6m package of support with Edinburgh trams as the transport network looks to build back to pre pandemic levels of passenger numbers in the future.

Demand for subway travel has reduced enormously since March last year with many businesses closed and tens of thousands of previously office based workers working from home.

Non-essential shops closed for most of the lockdown has also had an impact on travel meaning reduced ticket income.

Graeme Dey, transport minister, said: “Public transport systems in our two biggest cities play a vital role in keeping Scotland moving safely, while physical distancing requirements mean capacity on public transport remains reduced. Our support to date has enabled Glasgow Subway and Edinburgh Trams to carry over four million trips since July 2020.

“This additional funding until the end of September will enable transport to support the pandemic response set out in our updated Strategic Framework as well as our overarching aim to suppress the virus to a level consistent with alleviating its harms while we recover and rebuild for a better future."

Martin Bartos, Chair of SPT, said “SPT welcomes this further funding from the Scottish Government until the end of September.

“As lockdown restriction ease, we hope to see numbers travelling on the Subway steadily increase to their usual levels but we expect this to take some time yet. This funding is essential as we look towards our recovery from the impact of the pandemic, and we play our role in helping the wider economy return to normal.”