A modern bus station with room for improvement
4
4
Date of visit: August 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
Good
I didn’t travel from this station, but I did stop by to check out the access, just in case you find yourself passing through in the near future. This is one of the more modern bus stations I’ve visited. The entire area is undercover, with lift access on one side and ramped access on the other. Let’s take a wee look at this location.
Disabled Access In and Around
Good
When entering from the St Andrew's Street entrance, there is an escalator with a handrail and a small but suitable lift. The lift has enough space for a power chair and another person if needed. It has a grab rail inside but lacks Braille buttons and an induction loop. There is a lowered counter at the ticket desks, although many were closed during my visit. You’ll find a WH Smith and a small café for grabbing a snack on the go. Phone charging facilities and lockers are available for hire. The station has plenty of seating, and each of the 18 stands can be accessed through automatic sliding doors. All buses departing from here are accessible and feature handrails, dedicated disabled areas, and space for a wheelchair. There are dropped kerbs between each bus. The ramped exit to Elder Street has a steep incline, but there are handrails on either side. Please note that Elder Street is on a hill, with part of it now paved with smooth stones to match the St James Quarter shopping area. I had difficulty ascending the hill in the rain with a powered wheelchair attachment, so you might want to avoid this route in wet conditions and exit via the lift to St Andrew's Street if you're going shopping.
Parking & Transport
Good
The best way to get to the station is by bus, but there's also a handy tram stop at St Andrew's Square. Additionally, you have the option of parking in the St James Quarter car park, which is part of the shopping centre.
Accessible Toilets
Good
The accessible toilet at the bus station requires a RADAR key, but you can obtain one from a member of staff if you don’t have one. The toilet is locked from the inside by raising the lever handle. The toilet is small but can accommodate an additional person if needed. However, there isn’t much space to manoeuvre a manual wheelchair. The toilet is located against the rear wall and features a contrasting toilet seat and grab rails on either side. The small, low sink also has contrasting features and a lever-style tap. The red cord touches the floor and is already adorned with one of Euan’s Guide red cord cards. A left-side transfer is possible, but there is a bin in the transfer space. Additionally, there is a grab rail on the inside of the door.
Additional Information
Please consider reviewing the placement of the bin in the transfer space; this would have changed my review and would make a huge difference to other wheelchair users.
