Disability access at Paisley train stations has been branded “woefully insufficient” as Buddies reveal the struggles of using public transport.
Labour MSP Katy Clark has revealed that only two of the four stations in Paisley have step-free access at all times across all platforms.
It means people using wheelchairs and those unable to cope with steps and stairs would struggle to board a train.
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For those in wheelchairs and scooters, a lack of designated spaces for wheelchairs makes them shy away from spontaneous journeys.
Ms Clark, MSP for West Scotland, has demanded both Transport Scotland and the UK Government prioritise Paisley Canal and Paisley St James for upgrades to improve access.
She said: “Constituents have gotten in touch with me to express their concern that disability access at their closest stations is lacking.
“Having now obtained the raw numbers from ScotRail, it is clear access is woefully insufficient at a number of stations despite it being a legal requirement.
“Public transport in the 21st century should be fully accessible to all.”
Ms Clark obtained official figures from ScotRail which show Paisley Canal does not have full step-free access to trains, whilst Paisley St James has no step-free access whatsoever.
Neither has either station been identified for the Access for All fund, which targets investment in locations with poor access to public transport.
Ms Clark added: “The Access for All fund is vital for improving infrastructure to this end, but it appears very few projects are planned.
“This fund is managed by the UK Government, but the Scottish Government and Network Rail make recommendations.
“I will be writing to all three to demand greater levels of investment.”
Leslie Fernie, of Shopmobility Paisley, said he would welcome more step-free access to trains but said spaces to park wheelchairs and scooters on a train are limited.
Explaining most trains only have two designated wheelchair spaces, Leslie said booking in advance ensures the person has a reserved space and also that a member of staff will put a ramp in place at unmanned stations.
He said: “If you call within five days of travel and give them details of your wheelchair they can help you get to the wheelchair space.
“If you book the space someone is there to meet you with the ramp.
“You can sometimes book the day before but they only have so many spaces available on the day.”
Leslie said the ScotRail staff who work on the passenger assistance programme are always very helpful but admitted the advanced planning required means disabled people are less likely to take unplanned journeys.
He said: “Being disabled, I have a wheelchair and a scooter and having that does cause some setbacks.
“My wife drives me everywhere in the car as we don’t want to be told you can’t go somewhere on a certain day,
“We are used to it now that you can’t do things that the rest of the general public can do and just turn up on the day, buy a ticket and get on.”
A spokesperson for the Scottish Government said: “We believe our railways should be fully accessible for all.
“Unfortunately responsibility for accessibility is reserved to the UK Government – Scottish Ministers have repeatedly called for this matter to be devolved, and would certainly welcome Ms Clark’s support.
“However, until that happens, we continue to invest in accessibility improvements at our stations beyond that provided by the UK Government’s ‘Access for All’ programme, including trying to ensure new and refurbished stations are barrier free.
“ScotRail also has arrangements in place for passengers to access our railways at any station by making use of the passenger assist process.”
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