Lack of accessibility on the northbound platform at Burntisland Railway Station was one of my election pledges. Simply put, in 2018 it is unacceptable that a railway station does not have disabled access for passengers joining or alighting from a train.
The current situation leaves wheelchair users and/or those with limited mobility having to plan their journey very carefully. Either they have to stay on the train until Kirkcaldy and then cross the platform via the lift and subway or exit at Inverkeithing, Aberdour or Dalgety Bay and take a (pre-booked) taxi back to Burntisland.
I have written to Network Rail requesting a meeting. I am aware this is a long running issue (decades old) and I believe that it has to be looked at again. At this stage if you or anyone you know has had experience of using/attempting to use Burntisland Railway Station and you have mobility issues then please do get in touch. I have spoken with the local media about this to try and generate feedback too.
Kathleen
Letter to Network Rail
Diversity
& Inclusion
Network
Rail Limited
1
Eversholt Street
London
NW1
2DN
15th April 2018
Dear
Sir/Madam
Inclusive Rail
Travel For All: Disabled Access, Burntisland Railway Station
I
am writing in regard to the lack of disabled access on the northbound platform
at Burntisland Railway Station, Fife. This platform is inaccessible to
wheelchair users and is difficult to access for pram users and those with
decreased mobility.
Whilst
the southbound platform has had a ramp constructed to allow access, the only
way to access the north side is via steps. Both researching and speaking with
rail users I have been advised that wheelchair users and those with limited
mobility should remain on the train until Kirkcaldy where they can cross the
platform via lift and subway and then take a train back down the line to
Burntisland and alight at the southbound platform, thus utilising the ramp.
Alternatively, a disabled user could alight at Aberdour Railway Station and
order a taxi to take them to Burntisland – again this means additional time has
to be factored into any journey.
Whilst
I understand that passengers with a disability can book assistance at a station
through the Passenger Assist system this is not always possible. Booking in
advance means that a rail user who needs assistance loses out on any element of
spontaneity in their journey. Whilst those without disability can do this it
means that disabled rail users who decide to travel to or from Burntisland have
to plan in advance.
I
note that though your Access for All Fund an additional six Scottish stations
have been added for upgrade, but this does not include Burntisland.
Yours
faithfully,
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