Great staff but could do better
3
3
Date of visit: November 2024
I am a disabled person. I have experience of challenges around: a hidden impairment, accessing toilets and moving around.
I use or have experience of: changing places toilet, disabled toilet, hidden impairment, powerchair, toilet with hoist, toilets, walking aid, wheelchair
Overall Rating
Average
Dunfermline City Railway Station was previously known as Dunfermline Town Railway Station, but after Dunfermline was granted city status in 2022, the name had to be changed. The station has two platforms, with parking on either side and two accessible parking spaces. It also features a height-adjustable ticket counter and an accessible toilet.
Disabled Access In and Around
Good
There is step-free access at this location, with an underpass that takes you between platforms—the first time I've seen this anywhere. Most stations tend to opt for a ramp and a bridge. There's ramped access to the ticket office and platform two, with a touchpad on the wall on both sides. You'll find this office has a height-adjustable counter, which I understand exists in many stations across Scotland, but the staff at this location were keen to show it off. There are plenty of seats in this area, as well as on the platforms. I was surprised at just how spacious the room is. Induction loops operate on both platforms and at the ticket desk. Signage is clear and simple.
Parking & Transport
Good
There are 153 spaces and two accessible parking spaces across both car parks. The accessible parking spaces are at the entrance to the station on the platform. Plenty of buses stop on Saint Margaret Drive, including the 2, 2A, 4B, 7, 7A, 7B, 7C, 7D, 19, 84, 87, 747 JET, DF1, SC11, and ST4 services. There doesn't appear to be any dedicated taxi drop-off areas, but I'm certain you could get a taxi here. However, you may need to order a taxi to pick you up. I didn't see any EV charging facilities, and there are none listed on the ScotRail website.
Accessible Toilets
Poor
There is an accessible toilet at the station, accessed with a RADAR key. As I forgot to bring mine, I borrowed the station key. Please note that there’s a large length of metal attached to the keys. There’s a small ramp to access the accessible toilet, and the door opens inwards. There is enough room to turn a wheelchair 360 degrees and space for a left-side transfer, but there’s a large pipe and a bin in the space, which makes it useless. The toilet seat has grab rails on both sides, and the low sink has a rail on the right side only. The rails do not contrast with the toilet furniture. There was no emergency cord near the toilet seat - which is disappointing as train stations are notoriously noisy, and this prevents someone from getting help in the event of an accident. There’s a dryer, radiator, and baby change table on the wall.
Staff
Excellent
The staff are great at this location, eager to help and make sure that disabled passengers get the support they need.
Additional Information
This station could be so much better with some tweaks to the toilet layout and a few more accessible parking spaces. There are vending machines on the platforms, but I found these difficult to use from a seated height, which isn't great before a long journey.
