STATION LIFT LEFT BUSTED FOR SEVEN WEEKS
Rail bosses rapped over accessibility for hospital users
A BUSY train station has been without a working lift for seven weeks, sparking anger among passengers.
The lift at Hyndland Station has been out of action since October, leaving disabled passengers and parents with buggies struggling to get to the platforms.
The station serves Gartnavel Hospital.
HOSPITAL workers have expressed concerns over a nearby train station which has been without an accessible entrance for more than seven weeks.
The elevator at Hyndland station has been “out of order” since before October 30, with wheelchair users, parents with buggies and others with mobility issues all having to struggle up sets of stairs.
Just yards from Gartnavel Hospital, the stop is used by hundreds of patients and staff each day, many of whom require easier access to the station’s platforms.
Gartnavel staff member Natalie O’Donoghue, 31, said: “The station is the one for the general hospital, cancer hospital and psychiatric hospital so its reasonable to expect that people with limited mobility would be using the station.
“I’m getting a bit sick of helping people carry buggies up the stairs.
“It’s a long time for a lift to be out of service at a busy station – especially around a hospital.”
Information on ScotRail’s website states the station remains fully accessible, while on Twitter representatives claimed station staff could assist anyone in need.
However, Ms O’Donoghue believes this is unrealistic with the number of stairs at Hyndland.
Area councillor Kenny McLean is also worried about the situation and that the issues had only just been brought to his attention.
He added: “I am concerned to hear of this as obviously it will cause problems for folk with disabilities and families with buggies. I will be contacting Network Rail for action.”
Rail bosses have now apologised for the ongoing problems plaguing Hyndland, encouraged anyone requiring extra help to contact their assisted travel team.
A spokesman added: “We’re sorry to our customers who have been affected by this fault, and we’re working to fix this as soon as possible.”