THE new Subway ticketing will be more convenient for people allowing a smart card to be topped up and avoid queuing for tickets at busy periods.

The upgrading of the ticketing technology is a logical change given the Subway is undergoing a modernisation to upgrade trains signals and stations along the network.

We saw recently the importance of the Subway upgrade with structural problems in a tunnel closing part of the system for days, and all elements of the Subway need to be brought up to date to ensure it has a future.

The Subway is a vital link in Glasgow's overall transport network connecting with train stations and bus routes and many start and end their daily journey on different modes of transport.

The real prize for integrated travel throughout Glasgow given the number of journeys made on a combination of bus, train and Subway is a ticketing system that allows seamless travel on all forms of public transport without rummaging around for cash at each change over.

First ScotRail, First Bus and SPT getting together to provide the public with a true integrated smart travel ticket would be welcomed and easier for visitors to the city

For that however, we will have to wait a while longer.