BUSES are to replace the Subway around Glasgow’s network as the world’s third oldest underground rail system is closed for a month for modernisation work.

The last trains will run on Friday, July 1 and the system is not due to reopen until Monday, August 1.

It means thousands of people using the service will have to catch a replacement bus service, which will be stopping at all 15 stations every five minutes at peak intervals and 10 minutes at other times.

The closure has been made to protect the safety of workers at what operator Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT) says is a crucial stage in the £288 million modernisation programme.

However, it could mean delays and extra traffic on the roads during football’s Homeless World Cup in George Square, which is expected to welcome 100,000 fans from around the world.

The event runs from July 10-16, with 64 teams and 52 countries competing.

SPT chairman Jonathan Findlay said: “To date, SPT has achieved all of the modernisation works without any disruption to passenger service, which is a considerable achievement.

“We have now reached a crucial stage in the modernisation plan that requires us – for reasons of safety for everyone involved – to suspend services for a short time during July.

“We apologise for any inconvenience to all our passengers, but our full replacement bus service will mean they can still get to where they want to go.

“All our passengers are encouraged to turn up at their designated stop, allow a little longer for the journey and leave the rest to us.”

The works will take place from July 2 to July 31, with the system reopening the following day.

SPT bosses said customers should “turn up as normal” at their usual stop.

The bus service will follow the Subway route, with additional direct services to the city centre from certain stations, such as the Park and Ride facilities at Bridge Street, Kelvinbridge and Shields Road.

People will pay £1 for a single journey, £2 return and £2.50 for the all-day ticket. Child fares will be 50p single and £1 return.

An SPT spokeswoman said those who have season tickets will be emailed directly with more information.

However, she said six-monthly and annual season ticket holders will be refunded any difference on what they have spent on their season ticket compared to travel costs during the closure and will be given a week’s free travel as a “goodwill gesture”.

Weekly and monthly season tickets will be suspended before the work begins.

The work being carried out is part of the Subway’s modernisation and involves a full replacement of the section in the tunnels known as “ramps and turnouts”.

A full review of all the work involved in ramps and turnouts was carried out by experts. A connection between the surface depot at Broomloan with the tunnels was installed almost 40 years ago and must befully replaced.

The Subway opened in 1896 and was the third electrified underground rail network behind the London Underground and Budapest Metro.