SPT Subway
The "Describe Online" Guide to the Subway
Introduction
In November 2005, Describe Online produced a set of detailed text-only descriptions for each of the 15 Glasgow Subway stations. Included in these descriptions are:
- a comprehensive guide to each station, saying where it is within the local street network;
- any special facilities available (for example, phones);
- how to find your way between the entrance and platform;
- specific instructions about concessionary fares, how to obtain assistance, and how to use the automatic gates in each station.
Although primarily intended as an aid to blind or vision-impaired people, this information will benefit others who have difficulty with graphic maps or who require advice in preparing for a journey.
The descriptions for Partick station are updated periodically to take account of ongoing rebuilding work.
The "Describe online" station guides
Each guide consists of five sections: Environs, General Description, Facilities, Detailed Description and How Do I..?
The Environs section explains the location of the station in terms of the local street network, the entrances and exits to the station, nearby road crossings, local buses and features of interest.
The General Description explains the lines served by the station (usually Glasgow Subway), the layout of the station in brief and a statement on accessibility to Guide Dog users. Note that none of the Glasgow Subway stations are accessible to wheelchairs.
The Facilities section lists the special facilities within the station, such as stairs access, phones, etc, giving directions to these where appropriate.
The Detailed Description traces the entire station, level by level, listing features in and around each space, the direction of passages and steps, and other details. In particular, it explains how you would leave the station via the fire exit in an emergency.
The How Do I..? section includes reminders on how to gain assistance and on buying tickets.
Please click on each station name listed below to view the guide on the Describe Online website. Each station guide will open in a new browser window.
Partick
Subway and rail interchange
Govan
station
Ibrox
station
Cessnock
station
Kinning
Park station
Shields
Road station
West
Street station
Bridge
Street station
St
Enoch station
Buchanan
Street station
Cowcaddens
station
St
Georges Cross station
Kelvinbridge
station
Hillhead
station
KelvinHall
station
SPT is not responsible for the content of external sites.
The station network
The Subway follows a loop round central Glasgow and includes 15 stations. Of these, Partick provides a direct connection to mainline services from Glasgow Central and Queen Street stations, there’s an easy connection between Buchanan Street and Queen Street mainline station and a short walk between St Enoch and Glasgow Central.
Buchanan bus station is within walking distance of Buchanan Street Subway station and can be reached by bus from Glasgow Central or Queen Street stations.
Automatic gates
There are automatic gates in all Subway stations. These are all of the same design with a turnstile barrier to your left of the machine. You insert your ticket into the slot which is facing you as you approach the machine. Your ticket is returned via a slot on top of the machine.
Note that these gates are of fixed direction and cannot be changed (like those on the London Underground) to accommodate changes in traffic. Used tickets are always returned, rather than being captured by the machine. If you approach the wrong machine, i.e. you try to enter via an exit gate, you’ll find no slot for your ticket.
Concessionary fares
Holders of concessionary Travel Cards (disabled and over 60) are required to buy a 40p concession ticket, whilst blind people with passes are encouraged to collect a free ticket from the sales window. The free tickets are single journey tickets which operate the automatic gates.
Assistance
Customers are welcome to request assistance at the ticket sales window. Subway staff can open the manual gate, assist customers onto the platform and arrange for someone to meet them at their destination station.