Media centre

Wednesday 20 Feb 2008

BARRHEAD STATION TO BRIDGE ACCESSIBILITY GAP

Region & Route:

Scotland’s Railway: Scotland

A major investment at Barrhead Station is set to provide step-free access for passengers using the Platform One. The construction work, which begins this month, will involve the installation of a lift shaft from the existing station ticket office. The fully DDA-compliant (Disability Discrimination Act) lift, with closed circuit television and telephone links, will be installed to the left of the station entrance, providing wheelchair and pram friendly access from Carlibar Road. The project, funded by the Department of Transport and managed by Network Rail under the direction of Transport Scotland, will also involve the installation of power operated doors to both the ticket office and the platform.

All major construction work will be carried out during the day to minimise disruption to nearby residents. Completion of the work is anticipated by August 2008. David Simpson, Network Rail Route Director for Scotland said: “We have seen a steady increase in passenger numbers through Barrhead in recent years and it is an important station for commuters travelling in and out of Glasgow city centre. “We’re pleased that the funding has now been put in place to carry out these station improvements and we look forward to completing this work with the minimum of disruption to passengers.” Transport Minister, Stewart Stevenson MSP said: "It is a key Scottish Government priority that access to transport links is made easier for all passengers. I am therefore pleased that this investment will bring valuable benefits and increase opportunities to travel through improved station access at Barrhead.” Peter Williams, commercial director at First ScotRail commented: “This is good news for our customers using Barrhead Station. By working with industry partners to improve access and increase the convenience of travelling by train, I hope more people will be encouraged to choose rail travel as their preferred mode of transport.” This station improvement is part of a nationwide ‘Access For All’ programme, a £370m ring-fenced fund for station accessibility improvements under the Government’s ten-year “Railways for All” strategy. Station selection in Scotland is being prioritised by Transport Scotland. Other Scottish stations currently benefiting from the Access For All funding include; Rutherglen, Kirkcaldy, Mount Florida and Motherwell stations.