Overview

planned a day of exploring the transport services in and around Edinburgh, and Haymarket was my first stop—or rather my fifth, as the train stopped at Croy, Falkirk High, Polmont, and Linlithgow along the way. It’s been a long time since I last visited Haymarket, and it looks much better today, though there are some points for feedback. It still rates highly, but with a few minor tweaks, it could be amazing.

Transport & Parking

I arrived by rail at Platform 2, where the Passenger Assist team arrived just in time to help me off the train before it continued to Edinburgh Waverley. There is a tram stop immediately outside the station, and bus services 2, 3, 4, 25, 33, 44, N25, and N44 stop on nearby Dalry Street. There's a taxi and drop-off point outside, as well as an onsite car park with two accessible parking spaces. The accessible spaces are free for use by those displaying a valid Blue Badge.

Access

The access was good overall, with level access throughout and lifts from the main foyer down to the platforms. The lifts all have Braille buttons and an operational induction loop. The tiles around the lifts contrast with the tiling throughout the station. The Travel Shop—essentially a fancy term for the Ticket Office—also has induction loops, as do the platforms. The areas around the station feature tactile paving, and the pavements are in good condition. There is plenty of seating available both in the foyer and on each of the platforms. The platforms have waiting rooms with charging facilities and comfortable seating. On Platform 4, you'll find the accessible toilet in the same area. The doors to the waiting rooms are accessed by pressing a button on the wall, which activates the accessible sliding doors. These doors open automatically from the inside. Tactile paving has also been installed at the platform edge.

Toilets

There are three toilets at the station: one in the main foyer, one on Platform 1, and another on Platform 4. The foyer toilet is small but could accommodate another person if needed. The toilet bowl is at the back of the room with a contrasting wall and seat. The flush is on the left side of the cistern when seated, with grab rails on either side. The red cord is on the right when seated but is behind a narrow bin, preventing it from being easily pulled. It’s great that it touches the floor, but it would be better if it were more accessible. There is space for a right-side transfer, but a bin is occupying that space. There’s a small, low sink with a lever-operated tap and grab rails on either side. A soap dispenser and hand dryer are both available. The door features a mirror and grab rail on the inside and opens outward. The toilet on Platform 1 is slightly different from the others. The toilet block is at the back of the platform and has a concrete ramp with a rail leading up to it. There’s a light wooden door, but no touchpad to open it—the door opens inward. The toilet is just inside the entrance and doesn’t require a Radar key. It’s locked from the inside by raising the lever. There is a contrasting wall, but not a contrasting toilet seat. The flush is on the left of the cistern when seated, as is the red cord, which is also behind a bin. There’s space for a right-side transfer, but, once again, the bin is in the transfer space. Otherwise, this toilet has the same features as the one in the foyer: a low sink with a lever handle, a hand dryer, and grab rails on either side of the toilet and the sink. There’s a mirror and grab rail on the door as well. One other person could fit in the room. The third and final toilet is located on Platform 4, through the doors of the waiting area. This toilet requires a Radar key to access. It’s a little more spacious than the others but not by much. There’s a contrasting wall and toilet seat, with space for a right-side transfer—though, again, there’s a bin in that space. The flush is on the left when seated, and the red cord is on the right. This cord is free of obstruction and touches the floor! There are grab rails in all the right places: by the sink, the toilet, and the door—which also has a mirror. The door opens outward and is secured by lifting the lever on the inside. All of the toilets are clean and have a baby change table.

Staff

I spoke to a gentleman at the Travel Shop about the induction loop, as the signage for it was obstructed. He seemed a little uncertain at first but eventually confirmed that the loop was operational.

Anything else you wish to tell us?

There are several coffee kiosks but no café in the station, though there's a Starbucks just outside. There's also an M&S Food for those looking for an upmarket meal deal. Ticket machines within the station have headphone jacks and touch screens, but no Braille buttons. Please check the red cords—they aren’t tied up, which is great, but being out of reach could pose a real problem for someone in need. I think Haymarket is a great station, but they could easily improve by reassessing their accessibility features.

Photos