Fresh analysis by Scottish Labour has revealed that many train stations in the area are not fully accessible for people with disabilities.
New figures have revealed that just 50 per cent of train stations in East Ayrshire, and 78 per cent in South Ayrshire, are not fully accessible.
Fresh analysis by Scottish Labour has revealed that many train stations in the area are not fully accessible for people with disabilities.
Out of the six train stations in East Ayrshire, Auchinleck, Kilmaurs, and New Cumnock are the only three that are completely accessible.
Furthermore, only two of the nine stations in South Ayrshire are completely accessible.
Nevertheless, they are not in Ayr, Barassie, Barrhill, Girvan, Newton-on-Ayr, Prestwick Town, or Troon.
The recent fire at the former Ayr Station Hotel is still having an impact on Ayr Station services as of right now.
The UK and Scottish Governments share responsibility for enhancing accessibility at Scottish stations.
Colin Smyth, an MSP for South Scotland Labour List, called the data a “scandal” and asked that the SNP and the Tory governments take action.
“It is disgusting that disabled people are still locked out of some train stations in parts of Ayrshire,” the speaker declared.
“Both the Tories and the SNP Governments have a duty to ensure that our train stations are functional, but both have failed terribly, leaving many of our local stations nearly entirely or partially inaccessible to customers with disabilities.
“Our two governments need to collaborate more to create a practical plan to put an end to this scandal and guarantee that rail travel is available to everyone.”
“So that our communities can flourish, my constituents in Ayrshire deserve a modern, accessible rail network,” he continued.
“All disabled people must be able to travel with freedom, choice, dignity, and opportunity,” a representative for Transport Scotland stated.
“The UK Government has the final say over rail accessibility; we collaborate closely with the Department for Transport to establish priorities, but they have the final say. For this reason, in order to better serve Scotland’s rail users, we will keep advocating for the complete devolution of rail powers.
“The Scottish Government nominated 12 stations for the UK Department of Transport’s Access for All Programme for the current Rail Regulatory Control Period 6 (2019–2024); funding was given for six of these.”
According to Phil Campbell, director of customer operations at ScotRail, the company is dedicated to ensuring that all rail users have equitable access. We make tens of There are hundreds of supported travel trips annually in addition to several impromptu travel excursions.
Whether or not a reservation has been made in advance, our ‘Accessible Travel Service’ offers free support to those who require a little additional aid.
“We’ll keep working with our stakeholders at all levels to ensure that everyone can travel on Scotland’s Railway with confidence, and we’re committed to building on the success of this service, which includes listening to and acting on feedback from our customers.”
“Many of our stations date from the Victorian period and were not designed with the needs of all travellers in mind,” a Network Rail Scotland representative stated.
“The Department for Transport provides funding for accessibility improvements throughout Britain, which we and Transport Scotland deliver in Scotland.
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