Glasgow Queen Street has won the 2020 World Cup of Stations, organised by the Rail Delivery Group (RDG), making it the nation’s favourite railway station.
In this year’s competition, 48 stations from across the country competed head-to-head in the World Cup of Stations with the Scottish terminal just winning a public poll which recorded over 95,000 votes.
The competition was run over four stages. The first shortlisted 48 stations from the 2,579 stations across the country.
In the second, Glasgow Queen Street beat three other Scottish stations – Motherwell, Aberdeen and Wemyss Bay – to become Scotland’s representative in the semi-finals.
Next, Queens Street took on Newcastle (North East) and Crewe (North West, to become the finalist for the North.
In the final, last year’s winner Huddersfield represented the East, aiming for a repeat performance. Stourbridge won through for the West while London King’s Cross was the finalist for the South.
The overall result was a close-run thing, with only 0.3% of the vote separating the top two. But when the winner was announced on Stations Day, Friday 16 October, the Scottish station had won the day.
Glasgow Queen Street general manager Margaret Hoey commented: “We’re absolutely delighted that Glasgow Queen Street has been crowned champion in this year’s World Cup of Stations.
“The recent redevelopment work has revitalised the station, delivering a contemporary building both internally and externally. It’s created a spacious and accessible transport facility that will be a positive and prominent addition to Glasgow’s historic George square for years to come.
“We owe a huge thanks to everyone who voted for us, and to our social media colleagues who really got behind the Rail Delivery Group’s campaign to drum up support.”
The competition highlighted the important role that the railway, stations and staff are playing keeping people connected and supporting communities and local businesses during the pandemic.
Robert Nisbet, director of nations and regions for the Rail Delivery Group, added: “For a while, it looked like nothing was going to stop Stourbridge Junction and their mascot George the cat, but Glasgow Queen Street played the full 90 minutes and have come away with the silverware.
“It’s a fitting tribute to the newly redeveloped station and the friendly staff there who have kept key workers moving through the pandemic and continue to support the local community.”
Rail Minister Chris Heaton-Harris said: “I am immensely proud of the whole railway family, who have worked tirelessly throughout this pandemic to keep our railways running and passengers safe.
“My congratulations go to all the staff at Glasgow Queen Street for winning this year’s competition. They have played a key role supporting Britain’s recovery from Covid-19, ensuring that key workers and NHS staff can get to work, saving lives.”
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