MSP fighting for better access at Fife stations

Scottish Parliament pressed over poor accessibility for disabled at region’s railway platforms

A Fife MSP has taken her fight for better access to Fife train stations to Holyrood.

Mid Scotland and Fife MSP Claire Baker pressed Transport Secretary Michael Matheson on longstanding problems at Burntisland station and said it was one of a number of stations across the region which perform poorly in terms of accessibility.

The Labour politician called for Fife to be made a priority for funding for improvements.

“I have had many constituents get in touch regarding poor access to a number of train stations in Fife,” she said.

“In particular, my own local station Burntisland, is one that is regularly raised, and I am fully supportive of all campaigns to improve access here.

“It is simply unacceptable that people with a disability, mobility problem, or families with young kids and buggies or prams struggle due to one of the platforms only being accessible via steps.

“Many are faced with having to stay on the train, past their stop, before alighting at the next station, changing platforms, and getting the next train back to Burntisland.”

She said the situation was adding considerable time to the journeys of those affected, due to the low number of trains that stop at intermediate stations on the Fife Circle.

“That is why stations in Fife, especially Burntisland, must be made a priority when it comes to receiving funding and upgrades through the access for all programme,” she added.

“As the cabinet secretary stated in the chamber, the Scottish Government has a role to play in recommending and identifying stations that need improved.

“They must listen to the concerns of Fife commuters, who are all too often facing second class train services, and make Fife a priority.”

Mr Matheson said of 359 stations across the country, 254 were now wheelchair accessible – 45 more than in 2007.

Rail accessibility is a UK Department of Transport issue but Westminster is currently considering the Scottish Government’s proposals for accessibility funding and projects for the next five years.

Mr Matheson said Transport Scotland was identifying stations where there are continuing accessibility matters which needed to be addressed, including those in Fife, so the UK Government can be made aware of them.

“The Scottish Government remains committed to improving access at stations beyond the UK Government’s programme,” he said.

Westminster will determine which stations will have access improvement work taken forward in 2019.

They must listen to the concerns of Fife commuters, who are all too often facing second class train services, and make Fife a priority

Claire Baker MSP wants to see Fife become a priority for better access to train stations.