Glasgow bus station to be redesigned to create ‘world-class’ transport hub

AtkinsRéalis is set to create a ‘new vision’ for Scotland’s biggest and busiest bus station in the city centre, which is aiming to improve transport links and preparing to better meet the needs of users in the future.

The station, which is located near Buchanan Street, is owned and run by Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT). Each year, it handles more than 500,000 bus departures.

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The engineering company say they have been appointed to develop a ‘future-focussed masterplan’ for the station and its wider site.

The plan is hoped to drive positive change in the city centre while creating a ‘world-class’ transport hub by integrating public transport services with active travel and future mass transit.

Now, the firm will undertake a full evaluation of the site and the potential for development while engaging with SPT, local communities, and stake holders.

Meanwhile, they say the new facility is expected to deliver wider benefits to the city through improved access to services and will consider the necessary infrastructure to support a fleet of electric buses and other vehicles.

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Chris Crombie, technical director for architecture at AtkinsRéalis said: “The Buchanan Bus Station has long been a central transport hub for the city of Glasgow.

“But it needs to be fit for purpose for the future which requires a new vision for its role both as a bus station to enable transport links, and as a destination in itself.

“The updated Buchanan Bus Station will play an important role in helping SPT to deliver its goals of improving service levels, sustainability, and safety of the transport system.”

Richard Robinson, SPT’s director of transport operations, said: “Buchanan Bus Station (BBS) is a key strategic transport hub within the west of Scotland’s transport network, and while aspects of the bus station have been modernised in recent years, principally to improve the passenger experience and safety and efficiency of operations, BBS has remained largely unchanged over the last 45 years.

“The area around the bus station is undergoing change and now is the perfect opportunity for SPT to consider how Buchanan Bus Station fits in with the regeneration of that part of the city.

“We look forward to working with AtkinsRéalis on the masterplan and changing the bus station so it remains a vital part of a sustainable transport network in our region.”