Four train stations in Wales guaranteed accessibility funding

Following an announcement stating that the government will provide a sum of £20M towards the improvement of accessibility at train stations, four stations in Wales have been confirmed as recipients of this funding in Grangetown, Pontypool and New Inn, Llantwit Major, and Neath.

Specifically, the funding, which has been made available under the ‘Access for All Programme’, covers the installation of new lifts, accessible toilets, and public information screens, with local authorities able to bid for shares of the funding like the above four stations in Wales have done successfully.

The Secretary of State for Transport, Grant Shapps said: “The ability to travel easily from A to B is an essential factor for our day to day lives. But is not the reality for everyone.

“I recognise that we have much more to do, which is why we are making 124 train stations across the country more accessible – a key part of levelling-up access for disabled people to transport and opening up opportunities for all.

“This is just the start of a much more ambitious agenda. My goal is to go much further in the years ahead to help ensure that our country’s transport system becomes one of the most accessible in the world.”

The Secretary of State for Wales, Simon Hart commented: “Accessible transport is vital for connecting people with work, family and friends. That is why the UK Government is committed to building a better railway for all passengers in every corner of Wales.

“As part of that commitment the UK Government is providing a £20M funding boost to stations to improve accessibility. This will open up routes across Wales to disabled people allowing more passengers to travel independently and helping us to move towards a truly accessible transport network.”

The Minister for Disabled People, Justin Tomlinson added: “Everyone using our rail network deserves platforms and toilets they can use and this £20M investment to improve 124 railway stations across the country will make a huge difference to disabled people.

“This Government is committed to levelling up the playing field and later this year we will launch a national strategy which will ensure disabled people have equal access to all spheres of life.”

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