Mid-Scotland and Fife MSPs, Liz Smith and Murdo Fraser MSP, have written to the Transport Minister to call for improved accessibility at Fife train stations for disabled rail users.
Network Rail and the UK Government have announced new funding worth £300m to improve accessibility at train stations across the UK and nominations can be made online or via post to the “Access for All” programme.
Across Fife, only nine of nineteen stations are classified as adequate from a mobility perspective and the £300 million fund could be used to improve access to platforms in the region. The programme is part of the UK Government’s Inclusive Transport Strategy and was announced on the 25th July 2018.
Murdo and Liz, along with Conservative colleagues Dean Lockhart and Alexander Stewart, have written to the Scottish Government promoting Fife’s case for funding and Burntisland station in particular.
Wheelchair users cannot access the northbound platform at Burntisland and disabled passengers have to stay on the train until the next station, where they can cross platform, before taking another train back to Burntisland.
Commenting, Liz Smith MSP said:
“Being able to access public transport is incredibly important, especially for disabled passengers who have fewer options.
“Too many stations in Fife don’t have adequate access and this funding can go a long way to improving this picture.
“For example, wheelchair users cannot access the northbound platform at Burntisland station and have to travel one stop down the line before doubling back to use the southbound platform. This is simply not good enough.
“In highlighting these issues I hope we are able to encourage the Scottish Government to support our plans for greater accessibility in Fife.”
Commenting, Murdo Fraser MSP said:
“The Access for All scheme is a tremendous initiative that can make a big difference for disabled people using public transport.
“The fact that so many stations across Fife are not equipped to handle disabled passengers is disappointing and this must change.
“If we are to encourage more people to use public transport then facilities must serve all passengers.
“I would hope that the Scottish Government gets behind this campaign and can support nominations made for Fife stations, particularly Burntisland.”