ScotRail has started running trains from Glasgow Central high level after a partial reopening of the station following the significant fire on Union Street.
Platforms seven to 15 on the west side of the station have been in use from the start of service today (Wednesday 18 March).
The train operator is running as many services as possible, but with a reduced number of platforms available, and limited entry and exit points for customers, this will not allow for the return of trains on all routes that normally operate.
The following service are now in operation:
- Ayr and Glasgow Central – a half hourly service, calling at all stations between Paisley Gilmour Street – Kilwinning (Johnstone / Milliken Park / Howwood / Lochwinnoch / Glengarnock / Dalry).
- Gourock and Glasgow Central – an hourly service, calling at all stations.
- Wemyss Bay and Glasgow Central – an hourly service, calling at all stations.
- Kilmarnock and Glasgow Central – a half hourly service, calling at all stations (integrated with normal Carlisle/South Ayrshire services).
- East Kilbride and Glasgow Central – a half hourly service.
- Lanark and Glasgow Central – an hourly service.
The partial re-opening of the station was confirmed following comprehensive safety checks by Network Rail and Glasgow City Council, which has taken control of the site from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.
Public safety is the main priority with the demolition process ongoing, and an exclusion zone has been established by Glasgow City Council around the fire damaged building. Barriers have been erected inside the station marking the exclusion zone which limits customer access and movement.
ScotRail staff are on hand at Hope Street to guide and support customers to and from platforms. This includes entry and exit for customers via an entrance on Hope Street, known as the carriage driveway, which is used during special events and is normally for vehicular access.
The following entrances to the station remain closed:
- Hope Street (adjacent to Waterloo Street).
- Gordon Street.
- Union Street.
A full timetable of services at the low level platforms, which serve routes from Cumbernauld, Whifflet, Larkhall, and Motherwell to Dalmuir, Balloch, and Milngavie, resumed on Wednesday 11 March, and they will continue to operate.
Customers are being advised to check their journey before travelling, and can do so via the ScotRail website, app, and through its social media channels.
David Ross, ScotRail Chief Operating Officer, said:
“I am very pleased we will be able to welcome customers back to Glasgow Central high level following the partial reopening of the station from Wednesday.
“We realise the closure is causing significant disruption for our customers, and we’re very sorry for the impact it is still having on journeys.
“Resuming services on more than half the high level platforms in the station is a big step forward and will ensure as many people as possible can travel into Glasgow city centre.
“The safety of our customers and staff remains our absolute priority, and while we have limited platforms and access points to the station available, we will operate as many services as we can. We will keep the timetable under regular review and when it is safe to add more services we will do so.
“Our teams continue to work hard to keep people moving, and we’d encourage customers to check their journey before travelling using the ScotRail app or website.”
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