Glasgow Central Passenger Numbers Surge Back After Disruption

Passenger numbers at Glasgow Central station have surged back to near-normal levels following the restoration of ScotRail’s full timetable, underlining the resilience of demand after recent disruption.

On Wednesday 25 March, the first full day of normal services, ScotRail recorded around 120,000 passenger journeys through the station, as commuters, students and leisure travellers returned in large numbers.

The rapid recovery comes despite continued access restrictions, with the Gordon Street and Union Street entrances still closed due to the exclusion zone and ongoing clean-up work following the nearby fire, led by Glasgow City Council.

Figures show a clear progression in passenger numbers as services were gradually reinstated. During the initial period of reduced operations between 11 and 17 March, when only low-level services were running, weekday journeys averaged approximately 55,000.

That figure rose significantly to around 94,000 between 18 and 24 March after nine high-level platforms reopened, before climbing further as the station returned to full operation with all platforms available.

The data highlights how quickly passenger confidence has rebounded, reinforcing the importance of Glasgow Central as a key transport hub for the city and wider region.

David Ross, ScotRail Chief Operating Officer, said:

“We’re really pleased to see customers coming back to the railway in such strong numbers following the return of our normal timetable at Glasgow Central. The speed of recovery shows the essential role rail plays in keeping people moving and supporting the economy of Glasgow and beyond. We’re grateful to our customers for their patience and support while services were disrupted. With a full timetable now in operation, we’re focused on continuing to deliver a reliable service and helping customers travel with confidence.”

Image: ScotRail