Frequently Asked Questions

Why are you implementing these measures?

These measures will ensure priority for buses on two of the busiest bus routes in Glasgow city centre. Although the bus remains the most popular form of public transport in Glasgow, passenger numbers have been falling steadily in recent years and the bus sector is facing a challenging future. As a council, it is our view that we must do everything we can to support public transport in a city where almost half the population has no access to a car. Giving buses priority on key routes such as Union Street and Oswald Street gives operators the chance to run the kind of reliable and efficient services that people want to use. Reducing traffic on these streets will reduce emissions in an area of high footfall and improve road safety for pedestrians.

What types of vehicles can use the bus gates?

Only buses, taxis, private hires, cycles and goods vehicles will have access from 7.00 am until 7.00 pm.

Emergency vehicles on active duty will be able to access the roads affected by the bus gates at all times. Wheelchair accessible taxis and community buses (>8 passengers) will also still be able to gain access.

Access for all other classes of vehicles will be not be permitted during the hours of operation of the traffic filter. Bus lane cameras will be used to enforce this restriction.

Can motorcycles use the bus gates?

No, motorcycles cannot use the bus gates. Please follow alternative routes.

When are the gates in operation?

The bus gates will be in operation from 7.00 am until 7.00 pm every day from Mon 2 Sept 2019.

When did the consultation take place and who was included?

The implementation of bus gates on Union Street and Oswald Street are actions contained in the Council's City Centre Transport Strategy which was approved in March 2015. This strategy was developed through widespread engagement with the general public and key stakeholders.

In addition to this, as part of the statutory process, a public consultation was undertaken for 6 weeks commencing 7 November 2018. Key organisations were directly advised of the consultation. These included Police Scotland, Scottish Fire and Rescue, Scottish Ambulance Service, Freight Transport Association, Road Haulage Association, Strathclyde Partnership for Transport, Greater Glasgow and Clyde Health Board, Glasgow Taxis, Cyclists Touring Club, Royal Mail, British Motorcycle Federation, Glasgow and District Motorcycle Action Group, Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, Glasgow Access Panel, Glasgow City Council Councillors and Community Councils. In addition a newspaper advert was placed in the Evening Times and street notices were posted on all roads directly affected by the proposal. Details of the proposals were also posted on the Glasgow City Council website and were available to view at Council Offices.

Do you generate income from the scheme?

The bus gates are designed to improve journey times and reduce pollution. If signage is followed correctly by road users, and bus gates are avoided, no fine would be issued to road users.

What are the alternative routes? Do you have a map?

Alternative routes using Wellington Street and Robertson Street for southbound vehicles and York Street and West Campbell Street for northbound vehicles will be available. Diversion signs will be in place to assist drivers during the initial period of implementation.

Please see our interactive Bus and Taxi lane map

How long will the signage be up?

Variable Message Screens will be implemented from Monday 19 (2 weeks prior) on approaches to the bus only routes at Oswald Street and Union Street and run for 5 weeks (3 weeks after).

Advance Direction signs (ADS) and yellow advisory alternative route signing will be implemented the week prior to implementation (poles will be implemented next week for these signs). The ADS are permanent and the advisory will be reviewed, predicted 6 weeks after implementation.

The regulatory signs at the start of the bus only routes will be installed on Sunday 1 September after 7.00pm (the restriction operates 7.00 am to 7.00 pm) to be effective on Monday 2 September at 7.00 am. They are permanent.

How do I get to Queen Street Station from the North?

There will be no change regarding access to Queen Street station from the north which can be accessed from North Hanover Street.

How do I get to Queen Street Station from the south/west?

From the south Queen Street Station can be accessed from Clyde Street / Bridgegate / High Street / Cathedral Street / North Hanover Street. Access from the west is not affected by the bus gates.

Do you have a map of bus gates and taxi lanes?

Please see our interactive Bus and Taxi lane map 

How to I drop off and pick up at the Hotels in the area?

Drop off and pick up is available on Argyle Street and Hope Street south of Waterloo Street. Argyle Street can be accessed from York Street for northbound traffic.

How do I drop off or pick up at Central Station?

Drop off and pick up is available on Argyle Street and Hope Street south of Waterloo Street. Argyle Street can be accessed from York Street for northbound traffic. For southbound traffic drop off and pick up would be possible from Renfield Street north of Gordon Street and on Gordon Street.

I'm a contractor working in the area. Can I use the bus gates?

If you are using a goods vehicle, access will be available at all times. A goods vehicle is classified as any vehicle adapted for carrying goods and registered with the DVLA for this purpose- ranging from small vans to HGV's.

E.g. If a band is dropping of equipment at a venue using a goods vehicle, it will still be possible to access Union Street and Jamaica Street at all times. There is currently no facilities for loading by car outside the clubs on Jamaica Street, and this will still be the case. Loading for the Central Hotel is via Gordon Street, and this will still be available.

Where are the disabled bays in the area?

There will no longer be disabled bays on Union Street and at the north end of Oswald Street. All parking on West Nile Street south of St Vincent St, which is currently a mix of metered and disabled, will become all disabled bays.

Disabled parking bays on Queen Street will be accessible by travelling along Gordon Street, Mitchell Street and Argyle Street at all times and via Union Street and Argyle Street out with 7.00 am to 7.00 pm.

Traffic counts indicate that the total number of vehicles (including those accessing the disabled bays) currently turning left from Union Street into Argyle Street, which may re-assign to Mitchell Street is low.