The Glasgow Subway

---

Introduction

Glasgow has the third oldest underground railway system in the world. Opened in 1896, it is predated only by the London and Budapest systems.

The word "System" perhaps suggests an elaborate layout of tracks, intersections and stations; there are, in fact, only two tracks which form concentric 10.4Km "circles", imaginatively named the Outer Circle, which runs clockwise through each of the fifteen stations and the Inner circle which runs anti-clockwise through each of the fifteen stations. The trains were originally cable hauled by means of a steam engine which was located between West Street and Shields Road. The system was eventually electrified in 1935.

Of course, being Glasgow, it is rarely referred to as "The Underground", locals preferring to call it "The Subway" or "The Shooglies". The name subway is self evident. To "shoogle" is to rock from side to side and if you have ever ridden on the Glasgow system you will appreciate this nickname.

It is occasionally referred to as "The Clockwork Orange" (after the Stanley Kubrick film which was released in 1971), because the new trains on the refurbished system, which reopened in 1980 after a three year closure, were bright orange and ran like clockwork around the circles. The trains are small in height and length in comparison with other systems and will probably appear toy-like and even claustrophobic to those more used to the London Underground. At four feet, the gauge is very uncommon and is due to the small tunnel size.

See the official Strathclyde Partnership for Transport website for more details of services and fares.

This Wikipedia article provides a great deal of information about the system.

Broomloan Depot

There is only one depot on the system and it is mainly above ground beside Govan subway station and runs parallel with Helen Street. Until the system was modernised in 1977-1980, the cars had to be hoisted up a shaft from the running tracks to the depot as there were no points on the system.

The Stations

There are fifteen stations on the system which runs north and south of the River Clyde through the city centre and to the west. Our journey begins and ends at St Enoch in the city centre, heading north on the Inner Circle. You might want to wear ear-plugs as it tends to be quite noisy on the trains!

St Enoch

The original booking office in St Enoch Square was converted to a Travel Centre when the system was refurbished between 1977-1980. It closed in 2008 and re-opened as a coffee shop in 2009.


There are two entrances to St Enoch station, both in St Enoch Square.


This is part of a larger sculpture at the station and contains many facts & figures about the underground system - if you look closely!

Buchanan Street

There are no buildings above ground at this station. There are two glass canopied entrances on Buchanan street (north and south) and a travelator link to Queen Street mainline station.

(the glass structure in the centre of the photo. St Enoch can also be seen in the distance).

Cowcaddens

Cowcaddens is to the north of the city centre and the station serves Caledonian University, Glasgow School of Art and the Passport Office amongst others.

St George's Cross

St George's Cross is at the junction of St George's Road, Maryhill Road and Great Western Road
on the fringes of the West End.

Kelvinbridge

This station is on Great Western Road, by the banks of the River Kelvin at the north end of Kelvingrove Park.

Hillhead

This station is on Byres Road in the heart of the West End and serves Glasgow University.

Kelvinhall

Hidden amongst the shops on busy Dumbarton Road, near the junction with Byres Road. As the name suggests, it is near the Kelvin Hall which houses an indoor sports arena and a museum of transport. Kelvingrove Museum and Art Gallery is also served by this station.


There is a Glasgow Underground exhibit in the Museum of Transport which depicts the fictitious Kelvin Street.

Partick

Partick is an interchange station, with connections to the mainline station of the same name (directly above) as well as nearby bus connections. This station was extensively remodelled in 2008-2009.

Govan

The line passes under the River Clyde between Partick and Govan, which is known for its shipyards. The maintenance depot is also located in Govan.

Ibrox

Ibrox means only one thing for most Glaswegians - Rangers FC. Every second Saturday afternoon sees the system thronged by a sea of red, white and blue clad supporters on their way to or from Ibrox Stadium.

Cessnock

Cessnock is the nearest station to the Science Centre and the TV studios at Pacific Quay.

Kinning Park

On Cornwall Street at Scotland Street, the brown wall to the left of the spiral ramp in the first photo.

Shields Road

A Park & Ride station, with a large multi-storey car park. Convenient for Scotland Street School museum.

West Street

Tucked under the main line between Glasgow and Paisley. Currently in a building site as the M8 southern extension takes shape.


These two photos illustrate the changes made during the 1977 modernisation.

Bridge Street

There was a mainline station of the same name nearby which was the terminus of the lines from the south and west until Glasgow Central opened in 1905.


Next stop is St Enoch where our journey ends. But feel free to stay on for another circuit if you like - your ticket is valid all day as long as you stay within the barriers.

---