Overview

We all like to go on an adventure, don’t we? I've hopped on the train from Paisley to Glasgow for a few days out, usually with pre-booked assistance, but I wanted to find out how simple spontaneous journeys can be for us disabled folk, so I popped in for a visit. From the County Square entrance, the station almost resembles a castle, an aged sandstone building with two long columns, complete with turrets on either side of the arched doorway. The immediate entrance to the station has an automatic sliding door, and is paved with smooth slabs, however the area around the square is cobbled. Entering the station via the New Sneddon Street entrance, which also has an automatic sliding door, may be easier for some as it’s accessed from the much smoother pavement. Operating since 1840, the station has evolved to meet the requirements of a variety of travellers on their way to Glasgow or out to the further reaches of Inverclyde and the Ayrshire coast. I spoke to some friendly members of staff and took a look at the facilities. I left safe in the knowledge that the station is suitable for those of us who fancy a little spontaneity in our travel plans.

Transport & Parking

The station has parking facilities with 75 spaces. At the time of writing the Scotrail website states that 2 are accessible parking bays. There is additional nearby parking at the Maxwell Street car park which is 160 metres away, at the New Sneddon Street Car Park, 160 metres away and on Moss Street, 320 metres away. There is a bus stop close to the New Sneddon Street entrance, and at the nearby Central Road, connecting to Gilmour Street. There's a taxi rank at County Square, where most taxis are wheelchair accessible. I've rated this a 3.5 due to the low number of accessible parking spaces.

Access

The station has step-free access, into the station and to the platforms. There are accessible ticket machines located at both entrances and height-adjusted ticket desks. All platforms are accessed via the stairs, or the three lifts. Platform 4 is served by the lift across from the ticket desk on the County Square entrance, Platforms 2 and 3 are served by the lift partway down the corridor to the right of the ticket desk, via steps or the access ramp, and Platform 1 is served by the lift at the end of this same corridor. There is plenty of seating, mostly metal benches, some of which have armrests. The signage for the lifts, platforms and accessible toilets is clear. The station has an induction loop. I didn't see any alternative formats. Platform staff are trained in the use of the ramps located on each platform, but staff suggest that you make yourself known at the ticket office, at which point they’ll radio the platform staff to ensure they’re prepared, and call ahead to your next stop to ensure they’re aware.

Toilets

The station has two accessible toilets, between Platforms 2 and 3, and Platform 4 respectively. There are no toilets on Platform 1. Between Platforms 2 and 3 there’s a toilet block which consists of a short corridor, with the non-disabled toilets to the right, and the accessible toilet at the end. This toilet requires a radar key, which the platform staff can access if you don’t have your own. There are grab rails near the toilet seat, with the flush on the elevated cistern behind, a static sink with handrails and a soap dispenser on the wall above, a wall-mounted hand dryer, and a waste bin. The toilet also contains a folding, plastic baby change table. The red cord hung freely. The toilet is suitable for manual wheelchairs but those in powerchairs may find it a bit tight, it could fit another person, such as a carer easily. On Platform 4, the lift doors open to a waiting area with metal benches, opposite the lift is a multipurpose toilet. This toilet is much larger than the first but effectively the same. There is no radar lock on this toilet, as it serves all, but this may be of better use to a powerchair user. It could also accommodate a carer. As with the toilet above, there are grab rails near the toilet seat, with the flush on the elevated cistern behind, a static sink with handrails and a soap dispenser on the wall above, a wall-mounted hand dryer and a waste bin. Again, the red cord hung freely, In both instances, the toilets were as clean as one would expect from a public toilet in such an old building.

Staff

The staff I spoke with were helpful. Lori-Ann at the ticket desk was happy to explain accessibility within the station, signposted the lifts and checked if I needed assistance. I also spoke with Darren and Ian, who provide customer assistance and are trained in the use of the train access ramps. Ian went into detail on accessible stations in the area, both appeared to be proud of their role and how the work that they do helps others.

Anything else you wish to tell us?

The experience was pleasant. The staff were nice, they spoke to me as they would anyone and knew their station well. The toilet between platforms 2 and 3 was rather tight, though it had most standard features. It would be good to see the toilets refreshed, possibly with more room to permit powerchair users better access or a Changing Places - given that it’s the main station for Paisley. There is a takeaway coffee shop between platforms 2 and 3, I didn’t purchase anything but they appeared to have the essentials, tea, coffee, snacks etc. You'll also find The Square Cafe, to the right of the County Square entrance. I didn't visit, so I can't account for access, but there are tables outside.

Photos