Train station made more accessible

Pontypridd train station has seen its £10 million improvement scheme be given the go-ahead to make the busy station more accessible to the area’s elderly. As such a vital lifeline to the community and a way for many mobility-restricted residents to get about, the new step and obstacle-free entrance will come as a great benefit to elderly Pontypridd residents and travellers.

Plans for the new improvement scheme at the station were unveiled on the 30th April, where the public were invited to a drop-in event to look over the proposals that are set to see a huge difference to rail travel for the mobility-restricted and elderly in Pontypridd. The cost of the project looks to total £10.7 million and will include the installations of lifts to help passengers cross more easily between platforms, which could come of great benefit to the elderly who rely on affordable stairlift solutions and other aids in the home.

A move to a more accessible future

Pontypridd was named by Transport Minister Edwina Hart in December of last year among other stations in Wales, including Aberystwyth, Port Talbot Parkway, Rhyl and Ystrad Mynach stations, to benefit from a £39m Wales Station Improvement Scheme. The stations will receive updates to improve customer facilities, capacity, park and ride spaces and, in some cases, much needed improvements to access.

The scheme has been backed by the Welsh Government, Network Rail and Arriva Trains Wales, who have all contributed to the project’s funding. Network Rail’s Wales route managing director, Mark Langman, said of the proposals in this article, “Step-free access not only benefits those with reduced mobility, but also people with children, heavy luggage or shopping, and some more elderly people”.

These latest moves to improve accessibility of the country’s public facilities further demonstrates the importance of a full and independent life for reduced-mobility sufferers. Handicare’s range of mobility aids and safe walk in showers and baths work towards this goal of a more independent Britain.

Image Credit: Stuart Heath (flickr.com)