Secrets Of The Glasgow Subway

Unveiling the Rich History of Glasgow's Subway System

Glasgow, a city known for its vibrant culture and rich history, is home to a unique subway system that has been ferrying passengers across the city since 1896. As the population of Glasgow grew exponentially in the 19th century, the need for an underground transportation system became apparent. Thus, the Glasgow District Subway was born, with its circular route encompassing 15 stations.

These stations were originally constructed with island platforms, forming a loop spanning just over 10 kilometers. The subway even ran twice under the River Clyde, initially utilizing a cable system before being electrified in 1935. However, in the late 1970s, the entire system underwent a comprehensive modernization, resulting in a temporary closure from 1977 to 1980. But fear not, for we shall delve deeper into this fascinating history as we embark on our journey through the Glasgow Subway.

Unearthing Hidden Gems and Surprising Facts

As we begin our adventure, it's important to note that what is now a mainstream coffee shop on the high street was once the original headquarters of the Glasgow Subway. This magnificent building served as the hub of the subway system from 1977 to 1980. Today, it has been lovingly restored and is one of only two stations in the network to offer step-free access.

To facilitate our exploration, I recommend using a Smartcard ticket. Not only are these more cost-effective than paper tickets, but they also come in various options, including single, return, daily, and season passes. They can be purchased for a mere three pounds at ticket counters or obtained for free when ordered online. With such convenience at our fingertips, there's no reason not to opt for a Smartcard.

Now, let's talk about the trains themselves. You may find them slightly smaller than the standard gauge, meaning they are a tad smaller than what you might be accustomed to. So, if you, like me, stand at a towering height of 1.80 meters, I implore you to mind your head while boarding and alighting from the trains.

Unveiling Glasgow's Unique Stations

Our journey takes us to the Buchanan Street Station, located in Glasgow's bustling shopping district. This station holds the distinction of being the busiest in the entire network and is also the closest to the Glasgow Queen Street Station. As you make your way through the station, you'll encounter a platform that leads you to the ongoing construction of the railway station. Here, you'll catch a glimpse of the long-hidden 1842 glass canopy, now proudly on display.

At the Cowcaddens Station, there may not be any visually striking features, but it serves as a perfect example of the original island platform design that all the preserved stations once boasted. Moving on to the St. George's Cross Station, you might notice a contentious matter – the absence of apostrophes on the signage. While the modern signs now include them, a keen eye will reveal that the lack of apostrophes on the platforms hints at a fascinating historical quirk.

Next, we arrive at Kelvinbridge, named after the nearby River Kelvin. This station holds the distinction of being the deepest in the entire network. Not only does it boast the deepest island platform, but it is also the widest. As you step outside, you'll come across remnants of the former Kelvinbridge railway station, which closed its doors in 1952. Keep an eye out for a seemingly innocuous gray door, which now serves as an emergency exit but was once the original entrance to the subway station.

Oh, and don't forget to take in the breathtaking view of the actual Kelvin Bridge, a testament to the city's architectural marvels.

Uncovering Hidden Treasures and Unforgettable Experiences

In Hillhead, we encounter one of my personal favorite stations on the Glasgow Subway. Here, you might find yourself momentarily confused as you navigate between the subway and the sandwich shop. Remember, the subway is for commuting, and the sandwich shop is for satisfying your hunger. During the subway