NETWORK Rail has completed works to improve access arrangements for visually impaired passengers at Cardonald Railway Station in Glasgow.
The project was launched following after Linda Mooney, a regular commuter on the line, raised concerns about her safety when using her cane to identify obstacles in her path within the station and surrounding areas.
Network Rail made changes to the station and nearby public areas to make it easier for visually impaired passengers to travel to and from Cardonald Station.
Last week Linda visited the station with Scotland’s first minister Humza Yousaf, MSP for Glasgow Pollok, whose constituency the station sits within, and members of the project team to see the changes – which includes an extension of the existing footpath to create a new entrance into the station carpark, renewal of road and carpark surfaces, and installation of railings and bollards on the roadway to better define the walking route.
Further to this, public stairs leading to the car park have been repaired and the handrail upgraded, as well as tactiles to the top and bottom of the stairs being installed, and a new accessible parking space being created.
Network Rail worked with partners ScotRail, Glasgow City Council, Wheatley Homes, Guide Dogs Scotland, and Mr Yousaf to deliver the project across both its property and that of the other organisations.
Humza Yousaf said, “I am delighted with the quick and effective response of Network Rail and ScotRail to address the issues at Cardonald Station which were highlighted to me by one of my constituents. They took the time to understand the accessibility issues and provided effective solutions. The station feels much safer and more accessible now. I am proud of this outcome which will help local constituents, commuters and visitors to the area.”
Alex Hynes, MD of Scotland’s Railway, added, “We are committed to putting passengers first and this project shows that by working together, we can deliver quick, simple, low-cost but effective and meaningful improvements for our passengers. It is amazing to hear first-hand from our customers the difference these changes have made to their journey. These small but not insignificant works have made a big difference.’’
Sandra Macdonald, vision rehab specialist at Guide Dogs Scotland, commented, “I am delighted and proud to have been able to support our Guide Dogs service user Linda with the campaign for improvements at Cardonald station. This makes such a difference to Linda and all visually impaired, disabled and the elderly community as well as the general public when using Cardonald station. It was also a bonus to see that a disabled parking space has been added to the car park and I was impressed to hear that the improvements only took one week to complete. This has exceeded all expectations.”
Linda Mooney said, “I would like to say a huge thanks for the incredible new look and accessible improvements to Cardonald train station. These changes have significantly improved my independence and confidence in being able to commute independently to and from Glasgow Central as well as other train routes. I cannot express how much I appreciate everyone’s contribution and support to make these improvements happen. I would like to say a huge thank you to Sandra MacDonald from Guide Dogs Scotland, everyone involved from Scotland’s Railway and Humza Yousaf MSP.
“You not only heard the difficulties I was experiencing and the impact it was having but you also listened, and that makes all the difference in the world for a disabled person.”
