Overview

Buchanan Bus Station has the distinction of being Scotland's biggest bus station. Over 1700 journeys depart from the station each day, carrying 40,000 people to locations across the whole of the UK. In the station, you’ll find a statue called Winchers Stance, a work of art depicting a couple embracing with their bags on the floor. I like it for a few reasons, not only for the story it tells of a couple either reuniting or about to part, but also because the name comes from the Glaswegian word winch, meaning "to kiss," and the word stance, which reflects both their position and the stances where buses pull up at the station. With access routes and level access throughout, the location is mostly accessible, though there are a few shortcomings.

Transport & Parking

Parking in the area is rather poor. There are 12 standard parking spaces at the rear of the station and one designated accessible parking space – though calling it accessible is generous. The accessible parking space has a high kerb, making it awkward to exit the car on the kerb side, and there’s only room to lower a ramp on one side of the bay. The spaces are on a downhill two-way street, with taxis parked on the opposite side. They’re intended for drop-off rather than long stays, and with no local on-street parking, it’s definitely a location where you’ll need to be dropped off. There is a car park at the nearby Buchanan Galleries, although I’m unsure of the opening hours, and there are no Blue Badge exemptions – so it could be costly. Several local buses operate on the surrounding streets, and Queen Street Railway Station is a six-minute downhill walk away.

Access

There is level access throughout. Entering from the side entrance through the automatic sliding doors, you’ll find a short ramp leading to the waiting area, a large foyer with a Greggs, Baynes, Costa Coffee, and WH Smith. The station has 57 stances, each equipped with rows of metal seating. The stances have high kerbs, but the buses lower for those who need them, and all buses appear to be accessible. Both the ticket office and travel centre feature a lowered counter and an operating induction loop. Additionally, there are several information buttons with braille markings across the station. I didn’t identify any alternative formats, signage, or BSL in use. Given the incline at the side entrance and the slope at the rear, many may find it easier to access the station via the front entrance, which provides shelter and avoids the need to navigate a slope. There are steps at the back of the station, with tactile markings and handrails.

Toilets

There are two accessible toilets at this location: one in the main waiting area and another on the opposite side of the station near the staff quarters. Both require a RADAR key for access. Waiting Area Toilet: The toilet is small, with a door that opens outwards. Although compact, it could accommodate a powerchair and a second person if needed. There is space for a right-side transfer; however, bins obstruct this area. The toilet pan is positioned against the rear wall, with contrasting grab rails on both sides. The red cord and flush are both on the left when seated. In front of the toilet pan, there is a low, small sink with a lever-style tap, a wall-mounted soap dispenser, and contrasting grab rails on both sides. There is also a baby change table with braille markings, though there is no alternative signage. The red cord reached down to the floor on my visit. Toilet Near Staff Quarters: This toilet is not sheltered, which can make it inconvenient to use in wind, rain, or both – it is Scotland, after all. The heavy door opens outwards, and the toilet is much smaller than the other. There is space for a left-side transfer, but a large nappy bin in this area makes it difficult to use. There is space for a second person, though limited room for manoeuvring, especially around larger chairs. The toilet seat doesn’t contrast with the walls, although the grab rails on both sides do. The flush and red cord are on the left when seated. A low, small sink with a lever-style tap and a grab rail on the left side, as well as a baby change table. Though both toilets were reasonably clean and the red cord hung freely, the small size of the second toilet and bin placement brought the score down. Having designated toilets is positive, but they really need to be larger with clearer signage.

Staff

I didn't speak to the staff on my visit.

Photos