Overview

I visited Johnstone train station specifically for this review, what a way to spend a mild May morning! The station has been in operation since 1840 and has seen a fair number of changes in that time. Recently, lifts were installed on either side of the walkway to provide a more convenient and less exhausting way to cross between the two platforms. Along with these changes, folding ramps to allow access to trains have now been provided, allowing disabled passengers greater freedom and spontaneity when it comes to those last-minute trips. Access at the station is great, though it could benefit from a few more dropped kerbs. The accessible toilet is adequate and the staff were more than helpful.

Transport & Parking

I drove to the station and parked in one of the 11 accessible parking bays. The bays are not sheltered. There is a two-storey car park at the station but there are no accessible bays on either floor. Within the 6 disabled bays close to the entrance, there are two EV charging bays. These have been retrofitted to what were previously accessible parking bays. The station is served by a bus stop, close to the accessible bays, which takes in McGill's services 1, 1A, 2, 2A 307, 307A and X6A as well as Key Coaches service 4, at the time of writing. All entry and exit routes are situated on a hill.

Access

The building, platforms, toilets, and take-away café are level. The recently installed lift allows passengers to cross between the two platforms. The station has an induction loop, and the ticket desk has a walking stick holder at each window - although one was broken at the time of my visit. Staff assistance is available between the following hours: Monday to Saturday: 06:50 - 20:30 Sunday: 09:20 - 18:40. Although folding access ramps are readily available, the staff are not currently trained on their use - due to his being a recent addition. However, they will alert the train staff to passengers who require assistance boarding and contact the required station to arrange assistance on the other end. Once training is complete, the station staff will be able to assist travellers on to the train.

Toilets

The accessible toilet was well signposted and is located on Platform 1. It's accessed by a touchpad, and locked bit flicking a large wall switch. Once inside the door takes around 10 seconds to close. The toilet is easily accessible, with plenty of room for me to manoeuvre my manual wheelchair and would easily accommodate several carers if required. There are no changing facilities. There are grab rails. The handwashing facilities are built into a recess in the wall, dispensing soap and water before blasting warm air to dry. The flush is located on the wall behind the toilet seat and there was toilet paper when I attended. The room is dimly lit with blue light, and the extractor fan is noisy. The other available toilet is unisex and may be accessible to some, it is spacious but there are no grab rails and no red cord. The handwashing facilities are the same as in the accessible toilet, as is the lighting.

Staff

The staff were especially helpful and considerate. The lady I spoke with at the ticket desk was knowledgeable and happy to answer any questions, going on to explain the current status of the folding ramp access to the train and the improvements expected after the forthcoming training. I also spoke with Morag, who owns the takeaway café in the waiting area/ticket office, known locally as the Station Café. Whilst the entrance to the café does not have an automatic door, the single door is pinned open. The café area has plenty of room to manoeuvre and a varied selection of warm and cold filled rolls, tea, coffee, soft drinks, sweets and crisps.

Anything else you wish to tell us?

There are several metal seats with armrests within the station and on the platforms: 16 on Platform 1, 12 on Platform 2, and 12 in the indoor waiting area. There are also rain shelters on both platforms. A defibrillator is located on Platform 1. The lifts have wide doors and can comfortably accommodate two manual wheelchairs. The lift buttons are large, illuminated, and situated on either side of the lift. Wi-Fi is also available at the station.

Photos