Special Assistance Didn't Turn Up
2
2
Date of visit: June 2022
I have experience of challenges around: moving around
Overall Rating
Poor
Disappointing, special assistance didn't turn up.
Disabled Access In and Around
Good
As I only travelled one way, the platform for trains coming from London was adjacent to the exit. There is a noticeable gap between the train and the platform, which meant that I had to over stretch. Once off the train the exit was opposite and the route was step free. I was told that access to the other platform is via a subway with a slope.
Parking & Transport
Excellent
The bus and coach station is directly outside the station. Excellent public transport connections.
Accessible Toilets
0Sorry unable to comment.
Staff
Bad
My train got into Bournemouth Station at 4.20pm and special assistance didn't turn up. Even though it was pre-booked. I had to struggle with my crutch and case off the train. I spoke to station manager Rowland who apologised and explained that 4 people requiring special assistance had come off the same train and they didn't have enough staff to cover it.
Additional Information
The station itself apart from boarding and alighting the trains appeared to be step free, and is well located to public transport. However, I gave it a low score as not providing pre-booked special assistance is a deal breaker. It's always stressful making a journey when I have booked special assistance as there are several occasions when I haven't been met off my train before, and it is at the back of my mind. As this station was not the trains final destination I was worried about missing my stop, I ended up getting myself, my crutch and my suitcase off the train which was difficult and potentially not safe.
