In 1998 Linlithgow station had a lift installed on platform one which previously could only be accessed by steps.
Although platform two has step free access from its adjacent car park, the disabled access route from this platform to the booking office is 0.25 miles on public roads.
Now, 14 years later, contractors Morgan Sindall are providing platform two with a lift which is planned to be completed in July.
This work is being done as part of a Transport Scotland initiative to increase the number of step free stations in Scotland for which the Department for Transport has allocated £41 million between 2006 and 2014.
The aim of this programme is to create an unobstructed and obstacle free ‘accessible route’ within each station, from at least one station entrance, to each platform, and between platforms served by passenger trains.
The improvements at these stations are being delivered by Network Rail and further details can be found on their Access for All website.
Since the launch of the fund in 2006, Network Rail has made Barrhead, Cupar, Dalmuir, Easterhouse, Kirkcaldy, Motherwell, Mount Florida and Rutherglen stations step free by installing DDA compliant bridges and lifts or ramps.
In addition to Linlithgow, works to improve access will be completed at Hyndland and Montrose stations this year and will start at Perth later in the year.
Transport Scotland is ‘continuing to work closely’ with the rail industry and the Scottish Rail Accessibility Forum when considering which stations should be given priority for the Access for All programme.
