Station access: we’re doing our level best

IN RESPONSE to Rail Travel For All (August 2) the issue of poor access at some railway stations is a legacy of how stations were built in the past and Merseytravel is fully aware of the issue of poor access at stations. Hillside is not the only station on the network having poor accessibility.

Merseytravel, who sit within the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, are investing £450m in new rolling stock and platform improvements that will provide level access at all stations between the platform and the train – meaning wheelchairs, buggies and others will be able to get straight on without the need for a ramp to be put down.

This is a key step in improving access across the network, but we recognise that getting all passengers step-free to platforms at all stations still needs to be improved.

Merseytravel has worked with rail partners to improve accessibility: Formby and Birkenhead North have had new lifts installed in the last few years and we will continue to work with all parties to improve access at stations across the network.

However making stations accessible is not inexpensive, with the average cost of making a station accessible being around £3m.

The Department for Transport has said that it will be making £300m available for access improvements at stations between 2019 and 2024 and Merseytravel will be making a bid for funding for improvements on Merseyrail.

In the meantime if assistance is required from the operator, Merseyrail can be contacted to provide assistance for disabled users of the network. Cllr Liam Robinson Liverpool City Region Combined Authority Transport Portfolio Holder