The results are in and Glasgow Queen Street has been named Britain’s favourite station in the World Cup of Stations 2020.
Out of 2,579 stations across the country, Queen Street was shortlisted as one of the 48 stations partaking in the week-long online poll which logged over 95,000 votes in total.
They saw off the competition in each day of public voting, beating their Scottish rivals Aberdeen, Motherwell and Wemyss Bay in the group stages and the likes of Newcastle and Crewe in the semi-final.
Two of this year’s finalists once again tried to play on the public’s cute factor, putting their resident cats at the forefront of their campaigns, this was again Huddersfield with newcomer Stourbridge Junction. But in the end Glasgow Queen Street, coming fresh off a £120m redevelopment, proved too much for them and London Kings Cross.
The 2020 final was a close call with Queen Street eventually winning by 0.3% pulling ahead in the last 15 minutes of voting.
Maggie Hoey, Queen Street Station General Manager, said: “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.”
Robert Nisbet, Director of Nations and Regions for the Rail Delivery Group said: “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.”
Images: Rail Delivery Group
