Buchanan Bus Station Revamp: Public Pushes for Modern Upgrades to Improve User Experience
Passengers Call for Bright and User-Friendly Upgrades
By Gary Fanning
Buchanan Bus Station is set to undergo a significant transformation, and the public has spoken—calling for a brighter, more welcoming, and easier-to-navigate hub for travellers in Glasgow.
At a recent consultation, residents and commuters shared their vision for the future of the station, emphasising the need for improved lighting to create a well-lit and safe environment.
Suggestions included installing special, modern lighting to enhance the ambiance and ensure better visibility throughout the space, particularly during the darker winter months.
Accessibility and convenience were recurring themes. Many attendees urged the introduction of color-coded areas to make it easier for passengers to locate their buses.
This was coupled with a strong demand for better digital displays, with real-time information on bus schedules and departure gates to reduce confusion.
Meeting spot: The iconic Wincher's Statue in Buchanan Bus Station All images by Michael Jordan
“Toilets should be available for passengers with a valid bus ticket,” one attendee stressed, highlighting the need for accessible facilities.
Others expressed a desire for a warmer and more comfortable environment overall, with added greenery to soften the station’s urban appearance and create a more pleasant atmosphere.
Beyond the interior, calls were made for a clear separation of bus entrances and exits to improve traffic flow and enhance safety.
Suggestions also extended to the station’s surroundings, with some proposing commercial developments outside the station, making it a more vibrant part of the city centre.
Buchanan Bus Station: Glasgow’s bustling gateway
Amidst these requests, there was one overarching hope: to keep the bus station open and welcoming at all times.
As one participant noted: “It’s one of the few places in town that remains open, and that’s important for people needing a safe, accessible place at all hours.”
The consultation marks the beginning of what could be a transformative project, aiming to position Buchanan Bus Station as a state-of-the-art facility that meets the needs of its diverse users.
Planners are now tasked with turning these community-driven suggestions into reality, creating a space that reflects Glasgow’s vibrant character while addressing practical needs.
Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT) is embarking on an ambitious masterplan to reimagine Buchanan Bus Station and the surrounding urban block.
The long-term vision aims to transform the area into a vibrant new gateway to Glasgow, centred around a state-of-the-art, fully integrated transport hub.
To ensure the success of this transformation, the voices of the community are being placed at the heart of the planning process.
A statement on SPT’s website explains: “SPT is developing a masterplan for Buchanan Bus Station and the urban block within which it sits. The long-term vision is for the area to become a vibrant new gateway to Glasgow, fully integrated in the local area, with a modern bus station and transport hub at its core.
The masterplan and vision will look at ways to maximise use of the site and enhance the experience of all users.
SPT is working closely with Glasgow City Council and has appointed AtkinsRéalis and New Practice to deliver the masterplan on our behalf. The project will take a place-based approach to developing and evaluating future land use options for the site which are complementary to an enhanced transport hub.
Looking Ahead
The redevelopment of Buchanan Bus Station is more than just a transport upgrade—it’s an opportunity to redefine how a key part of Glasgow serves its people. By listening to the community and prioritising their needs, SPT aims to create a vibrant, accessible, and sustainable gateway that reflects the spirit of the city.
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