Media centre

Wednesday 20 Feb 2008

RUTHERGLEN STATION TO BRIDGE ACCESSIBILITY GAP

Region & Route:

Scotland’s Railway: Scotland

A major investment at Rutherglen Station is set to provide step-free access for passengers using the platform. The construction work, which begins this month, will involve the installation of a lift shaft into the existing elevated walkway. The fully DDA-compliant (Disability Discrimination Act) lift with closed circuit television and telephone links, will be installed beside the existing staircase to the platform and will provide wheelchair and pram friendly access from Victoria Street, Rutherglen. The project, funded by the Department of Transport and managed by Network Rail under the direction of Transport Scotland, will also involve upgrade works to the existing station building located on the platform.

All major construction work will be carried out at night and at weekends in an effort to minimise disruption to passengers. Completion of the work is in phases between early April 2008 and the end of May 2008. David Simpson, Network Rail Route Director for Scotland said: “We have seen a steady increase in passenger numbers through Rutherglen 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 Rutherglen.” Peter Williams, commercial director at First ScotRail commented: “This is good news for our customers using Rutherglen 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; Barrhead, Kirkcaldy, Mount Florida and Motherwell stations.