SUBWAY passengers in Glasgow faced further delays this morning as one station remained closed after a tunnel fault sparked safety fears.

Both Cowcaddens and Buchanan Street stations were closed before 7am yesterday after tunnel checks discovered the problem.

Buchanan Street reopened at around midday, but Cowcaddens remained closed to passengers.

As reported in later editions of yesterday's Evening Times, SPT said a problem had been identified during checks which are being carried out as part of a £300million upgrade of the 113-year-old Subway.

The closure of two stations meant the Subway was unable to complete its circuits.

Passengers described chaotic scenes with trains fast becoming overcrowded in the searing heat.

This morning, the Subway was operating between Buchanan Street and Govan on the inner circle and between Govan and St George's Cross on the outer circle.

Free shuttle buses are also running between Buchanan Street and St George's Cross, Buchanan Street and Hillhead and Buchanan Street and Shields Road, with SPT advising passengers to allow extra time for their journeys.

Early reports that the problem was due to a partial tunnel collapse were dismissed by SPT.

However a spokeswoman said tunnel checks were being carried out by engineers.

One passenger, who was travelling from Hillhead to the city centre, said: "It was chaos – a journey that normally takes me five minutes took 35.

"Passengers kept asking what the problem was but staff would only say it was a 'technical fault'.

"The service from Hillhead to St George's Cross was running every 20 minutes and it was overflowing with passengers – the heat was unbearable.

"When we arrived at St George's Cross we were informed there was a bus service into the city centre but most people set off on foot."

A spokeswoman for SPT said: "SPT's Subway modernisation includes tunnel refurbishment work which takes place during the night when the Subway is shut.

"Monday's planned work uncovered a section of tunnel lining which needed an unexpected repair.

"We can reassure customers that we are doing everything in our power to get the system fully up and running as soon as possible.

"However, the repair requires specialist attention and we need to make sure that is complete before opening the station to the public.

"An adjusted Subway service is running currently.

"Free shuttle buses are also in operation from the busiest stations in the city centre.

"We would like to thank all those passengers affected by this disruption, their patience is extremely appreciated.

"We will endeavour to keep everyone updated via all our communication channels."

caroline.wilson@eveningtimes.co.uk