Disabled rail users 'treated like bikes'

Published on Thursday 18 January 2007 12:05

DISABILITY groups today attacked First ScotRail for treating wheelchair users "no better than bikes" on its trains - despite a national ruling.

Campaigners celebrated eight months ago, after the rail operator was told to ensure wheelchair users have priority access to space normally reserved for cyclists.

But disabled passengers say many trains from Edinburgh to Glasgow, Aberdeen and Fife are still not complying.

Edinburgh-based charity Ecas has written to the Department for Transport (DfT) to complain that wheelchair users often have to call a guard to dismantle bicycle racks to allow them to use the space.

But First ScotRail today insisted its trains meet requirements.

Ecas chief executive David Griffiths said: "In January last year we approached First ScotRail about conflicts between cycle racks and wheelchair spaces.

"Our concern was that the default position was with the bicycle rack assembled and this protruded into the wheelchair space, making it impossible for a wheelchair user to access.

"In May we were advised that the DfT had issued a policy that the default position is to be for wheelchairs. But by late August it was apparent that the DfT policy had not been implemented on, for example, the Fife Circle.

"Wheelchair users are being treated no better than bikes."

Adam Gaines, Scottish director with the Disability Rights Commission, added: "We are disappointed that the resolution agreed with the DfT that the wheelchair space should be kept clear appears not to have been implemented."

The main problem is on services to Fife, which use Class 170 trains with relatively small carriages.

The situation does not break any laws, because the Disability Discrimination Act does not apply to trains, which will only have to be fully accessible by 2020.

A First ScotRail spokesman said the firm's trains meet the latest accessibility regulations.

"Our long-held position is clear," he said. "Passengers will always take precedence over cycles. We welcome disabled customers and provide the best possible help and assistance."

'We are due the same rights'

JIMMY McINTOSH regularly encounters problems on trains to and from Edinburgh.

The 67-year-old, from Balgreen, has cerebral palsy and relies on an electric wheelchair to get around.

Mr McIntosh today accused First ScotRail of discouraging wheelchair users from using the rail network.

"I use trains two or three times a week, and I quite often find that the spaces for wheelchairs are set up for bikes when I get on," he said.

"We have to call the guard for help, which puts people off travelling.

"There should be a guarantee that spaces will be reserved for wheelchair users - we are due the same rights as other people."