Stirling’s railway station has earned a spot as one of the top 10 most used stations in Scotland, according to the latest findings from the Office for Rail and Road. The data, gathered from entries and exits between April 2023 and March this year, revealed that Stirling station secured the seventh position with 2.4 million entries and exits. At the top of the list were Glasgow Central, with 25 million entries and exits, followed by Edinburgh Waverley at 21.3 million and Glasgow Queen Street at 14.5 million.
On the other end of the spectrum, the top 10 least used stations in Scotland included Kildonan, Scotscalder, Altnabreac, Beasdale, Culrain, Lochluichart, Locheilside, Invershin, Duncraig, and Achanalt. Nationally, London Liverpool Street retained its position as Great Britain’s most used railway station, while Denton in Greater Manchester held the title of the least used station with only 54 entries and exits.
Feras Alshaker, the Director of Planning and Performance at the Office of Rail and Road, emphasised the importance of these statistics in understanding travel patterns across the country and providing valuable insights for passengers, the rail industry, and stakeholders. Stirling station underwent a significant £5 million revamp in June 2023, which included redesigning public areas outside the station to enhance accessibility for pedestrians, cyclists, and wheelchair users. The renovation also featured a new pedestrianised plaza, the removal of a roundabout on Goosecroft Road, and the installation of a state-of-the-art controlled entry and exit system in the south car park.
Additionally, improvements were made to customer facilities within the station, such as refurbishing the customer lounge and accessible toilet on platform two. The introduction of a secure ‘CyclePoint’ with over 140 bike spaces aimed to encourage sustainable transport options for commuters. Overall, the upgrades were designed to provide a more comfortable and efficient experience for passengers at Stirling station.
In conclusion, the recognition of Stirling railway station as one of the most used stations in Scotland highlights its importance as a key transportation hub in the region. The recent renovations not only improve the station’s infrastructure but also signify a commitment to enhancing the overall travel experience for passengers.