THE Subway carried double the normal number of passengers during the Commonwealth Games.

According to bosses, the 117-year-old underground performed faultlessly during the event.

Passenger numbers soared by 350,000, with the network carrying 210,000 people on the first weekend of the Games alone.

Spectators, who could travel free with their tickets, made 210,000 journeys.

And shuttle buses made 3000 trips between Buchanan Bus Station and Games venues, carrying around 250,000 people.

Bosses at Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT) have produced a report on the success of traffic arrangements during the Games.

It says: "The anticipated pivotal role Buchanan Bus Station was expected to play was borne out in reality and the performance of staff in customer and operational roles, as well as those behind the scenes, was of an exceptionally high standard.

"The extensive experience built up over many years in dealing with major events like T in the Park proved to be vital in Scotland's biggest bus station playing its part in the success of the Games.

"The Subway performed faultlessly during the Games, with very positive customer feedback received and no major issues reported regarding the trains, stations and ticketing."

However, SPT criticised Games bosses for not involving the organisation earlier in the planning.

The report says: "It is clear SPT's extensive knowledge, awareness and experience across the entire transport network could have been recognised earlier.

"As the Games drew nearer and during the Games, SPT senior officers and operational staff had to intervene to take the lead in delivery and incident resolution in many areas."

The report says this included management and direction of bus operations at venues and elsewhere, shuttle buses, accessible vehicles and co-ordination of contingencies.

It adds: "In addition, thanks to SPT, operational issues regarding park and ride shuttles were resolved swiftly and SPT was commended for its performance in securing contingency rail replacement vehicles as necessary during the Games.

"Without SPT's crucial intervention, transport for the Games could have been significantly less successful than it was."

SPT chairman Jim Coleman said: "There were worries our 117-year-old system would not cope and there would be delays on the Subway but that was completely unfounded, as the network ran fantastically well, with no real interruptions to service.

"That's no easy feat given there were 210,000 customers travelling by Subway during the first weekend of the Games and 100% increase in patronage over all compared with same period last year.

"More trains, more staff and longer opening hours guaranteed customers had a hassle free journey to events and it was great to see so many people enjoying all that Glasgow has to offer.

"We're now back to focusing on getting the Subway fit for the future and modernisation plans are racing ahead, with St Enoch Station refurbishment due for completion in the next year."

vivienne.nicoll@eveningtimes.co.uk