Calls for ScotRail to change stance on train station toilets

Pressure is mounting on ScotRail to install a changing places toilet at Dundee train station.

A Dundee charity warned last week failure to include the facility at the redeveloped train station would stop visitors coming to the city.

ScotRail Alliance confirmed there would be no changing places toilets – which are larger than normal disabled toilets and feature a hoist for lifting – at the lower level, the section they own, of the station.

SNP Councillor Lynne Short and Conservative North East MSP Bill Bowman have both written letters demanding a rethink.

Ms Short, the convener of city development, said: “I am writing a letter to Transport Minister Humza Yousaf to see what can be done. These are not just disabled toilets, they are more than that.”

In a letter to ScotRail, Mr Bowman said he was “very disappointed” to hear ScotRail had decided against such a toilet.

“The inclusion of a PAMIS-approved toilet would encourage more people to visit Dundee and experience the things the city has to offer,” he added.

“A spokesperson for the ScotRail Alliance has said that while the situation is regrettable there is not enough footfall to merit the inclusion and ‘there is simply no room for the installation of a changing places facility.’

“However, with the V&A Museum of Design scheduled to open next year, along with a planned 1,000 new hotel rooms across the city it is likely that footfall will increase.”

A ScotRail spokesman denied that footfall is the reason why a changing places facilities would not be installed, and highlighted that Dundee City Council are leading the redevelopment of the main station building at street level.

They said: “The main redevelopment of the station at street level is being led by Dundee City Council. It is for the council to comment on why this facility was not included.

“The ScotRail Alliance will be undertaking a number of improvements using the limited space available at platform level, including accessible disabled facilities.”

Jenny Miller, chief executive of PAMIS, said: “For people with complex needs and mobility issues we would like to see them downstairs so people can get easy access right off the train.

“We were quite surprised that ScotRail said there would be no room. We want Dundee to be one of the most inclusive cities in the world.”

A Transport Scotland spokesperson said: “The minister is aware of these concerns.

“Transport Scotland works closely with ScotRail and Network Rail to make our rail services and stations as accessible as possible, including facilities such as toilets. We would encourage the rail industry to continue to engage with PAMIS,  the charity promoting the increased provision of changing places facilities.”