FROM 1977 to 1980 the Glasgow Underground was renovated at a cost of £50 million-plus (Letters, November 4). The renovation mainly consisted of rebuilding the stations and replacing the running stock. The possibility of geographically extending the service was discussed but dismissed on the grounds of cost. In some ways the service was even contracted as its hours of operation were curtailed.

At around the same time, Newcastle produced an entire world-class metro system from scratch, covering all of Newcastle and Gateshead. Although this involved much excavation and digging of new tunnels, the whole operation cost less than £300m.

Don't miss another opportunity. If funding can be made available for the Underground, don't waste it on replacing the entire running stock or tarting up the stations. Make a start on extending the infrastructure, on renovating the tunnels which already exist to the east and the south , on improving links to the above-the ground rail service. Once the infrastructure of a real Metro is there, it can be built upon.

Meanwhile the running stock can be repaired or replaced piece by piece as it needs it.

Think long-term.

Mary McCabe,

25 Circus Drive Glasgow.