Mobility and Access Committee for Scotland (MACS) - Consultation Response: Station Design Standards - RSSB

RIS 7700 

G 3.1.6

The list of factors should include disabled access.

3.4.1

We support the use of DIAs

3.4.2

The relative number of Wide Access Gates should be increased to future-proof the guidance - the population is ageing and numbers of disabled are increasing. More Wide Access Gates will be needed in future - the biggest queues at gatelines are already for the WAGs. There should be a minimum of two at every gateline.

RIS 7702

Just one overall point here - there tends to be disagreement between disabled groups on the intensity of lighting, in that bodies representing those with sight issues prefer stronger lighting, whereas those representing neuro-diverse groups prefer weaker, as bright lights can be unsettling. So a balance needs to be struck.

RIS 7709

It is good to see the emphasis given to accessibility features throughout this document.

2.1

Inclusive design - it might be as well to seek views from the local access panel early in the design process.

6.2.1

The de-prioritisation of car access should not include blue badge holders. There are many instances of recent station redesign (e.g. Stirling) that have pushed vehicle access further from the station and made disabled access harder. Many disabled people do not have the option of using public transport, bike, or walking to access a station.

7710

In general it is good to see advice on tactiles and way finding, now that platform edge tactile have been installed on all stations (in Scotland at least).

5.1.7

There has been criticism from some disabled passengers about early way-finding tactile schemes that they are too extensive and therefore become too complicated and confusing. it might be worth building in this factor.

5.2.5

We think it should be mandatory that way finding leads to the WAG at gatelines.

5.2.6

Creating steering groups is a good idea, but they must have representation of people who will use the tactile schemes. This should be mandatory.

7716

We have only one general comment on this which relates to platform heights, alignments and gap to train. Level boarding is coming. Some operators already have entirely level-Boarding fleets (East Anglia, Merseyside) others are committing to level-boarding stock in future (Scotrail) and Deutsche Bahn has just ordered its first long-distance level boarding rolling stock. In order to future-proof this document, it should be checked to make sure its guidance holds with level-boarding rolling stock.