Refresh of Melksham Rail User Group site - new accessibility page

[whole diary]

[grahame]

I'm got a tin of fresh train-paint and I'm uploading some new pictures and data to the Melksham Rail User Group web site - going to try out things on members here.   Thoughts / comments on the page, please ...

http://www.mrug.org.uk/access.html

[Red Squirrel]

Really useful map!

My only observation is to emphasise that step free access to the platform does not necessarily mean step free access to the train. At Montpelier, for example, the platform is  accessible, but there is a yawning chasm between the platform and the train... I don't think I've ever seen anyone getting on or off in a wheelchair here, but I've seen a fair few people struggle with buggies (and even helped a few!)

[grahame]

Really useful map!

My only observation is to emphasise that step free access to the platform does not necessarily mean step free access to the train. At Montpelier, for example, the platform is  accessible, but there is a yawning chasm between the platform and the train... I don't think I've ever seen anyone getting on or off in a wheelchair here, but I've seen a fair few people struggle with buggies (and even helped a few!)

We could certainly add a "Mind the Gap" warning in general.

Montpelier is shown in green - so fully accessible to category A standards.   

I was a little surprised to note that Pilning is only a category B.  From my knowledge (having spend quite a long time waiting for the next train) the only platform there has good wheelchair access into and off the train via the train's ramp.  Is the selection of yellow (category B) an indication that the absence of a footbridge is only temporary and a like-for-previous-like is planned for installation, which (as like for like) would not provide for wheelchairs on the Wales-bound platform?  Or am I just dreaming of what many people think would be an excellent Christmas present?

[CyclingSid]

The accessibility categories on the new GWR^▸ (Great Western Railway) printed timetables are useful. Any chance that RDG^‡(resolve) will "encourage" other TOCs^▸ (Train Operating Company) to do the same, to the same definitions?

[Oxonhutch]

Cholsey could so easily be made partially compliant by simply providing a pedestrian ramp from platform 4 (Up Relief) to the high level carpark. Both adjacent stations provide Category A doubling back facilities for access to down services.

It would also provide a very useful access to the 60 or so parking spaces situated there.