Montgomeryshire Assembly Member, Russell George, said he was pleased that the Welsh Government was investing money to improve access to Machynlleth railway station.
Mr George’s comments followed an announcement by the Transport Minister, who has earmarked funding to improve access to some of the most inaccessible railway stations in Wales. The railway station at Machynlleth will have a new footbridge with ramps and lifts and the enhancements are expected to be completed by March 2014.
Commenting, Mr George said:
“I am pleased that the Minister has earmarked money to improve accessibility to Machynlleth railway station.
“I raised this issue back in September during a Welsh Conservative debate on accessibility to public transport. In that debate, I said it was an absolute scandal that in the 21st century disabled people in Wales face a second class system of travel, stifling their freedom and independence.
“The accessibility of public transport is one of the greatest challenges faced on a daily basis. Yet, it is quite incredible that only 8 per cent of railway stations in Wales are disabled friendly – that is just 16 out of 220 railway stations that have wheelchair access to the platform, accessible toilets and wheelchair access to the train.
“There is no getting away from it, we as politicians must do better. Upgrading our public transport infrastructure, particularly our railway stations, needs to be part of a package of measures to help disabled people to live more independent lives.
“I welcome this Government support but in Mid Wales there is still a huge amount more that needs to be done.”
