Scottish train station goes off the rails

A Scottish train station has been named Britain’s most unpopular in a survey of passengers.

Glasgow Queen Street took the unwanted honour after independent group Transport Focus surveyed more than 28,000 people at 56 stations.

Just 58% of travellers were ‘satisfied’ with Queen Street, which is Scotland’s third busiest station, and currently undergoing a £100 million modernisation.

Its fortunes contrast sharply with nearby Glasgow Central, which made it into the top 10 most popular stations with a 91% approval.

Transport Focus said the top priorities for passengers were arrival time information, waiting rooms and the overall look of the station when it carried out the survey between September and November last year, shortly after work had begun at Queen Street.

Transport Focus chief executive Anthony Smith said: ‘While Glasgow Queen Street is being redeveloped it’s vital that the ScotRail Alliance continues to talk to passengers about the improvements and makes sure staff are on hand to help.

‘Investment in stations can improve passengers’ satisfaction when targeted at features which make a difference to their experience.

Glasgow Queen Street station is currently being renovated

‘Passengers’ top priorities for stations include arrival time information, waiting rooms and the overall look and feel of the station.’

A spokesman for the Rail Delivery Group, representing the railway industry, said: ‘As part of the partnership railway’s long-term plan, and to deliver on our commitment to boost local communities, we’re investing to improve 178 small and medium-sized stations right across the country.’

The top 10 stations for dissatistaction were: 1, Glasgow Queen Street – 58%; 2, Gatwick Airport – 66%; 3, Oxford – 67%; 4, Clapham Junction – 69%; 5, Barking – 70%; 6, Wimbledon – 71%; 7, London Victoria – 72%; 8, Highbury and Islington – 72%; 9, Hull – 73%; 10, Cardiff Central – 75%.

In contrast, the most popular were: 1, London King’s Cross – 96%; 2, London St Pancras – 95%; 3, Birmingham New Street – 92%; 4, Reading – 92%; 5=, London Marylebone – 91%, Liverpool Central – 91%, Beaconsfield – 91%, Sheffield – 91%, Manchester Piccadilly – 91%, Glasgow Central – 91%.