Manchester Coach Station

dystrophydad

17 Oct 2024

On the National Express...

3

3

Date of visit: October 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

This National Express station is located on Chorlton Street in Central Manchester. It's a popular bus depot with some accessibility features. It does the job, but I can't say much more than that.

Disabled Access In and Around

Good

There are decent pavements in the area and tactile paving at the local traffic lights. The Coach Station has level access throughout, with automatic sliding doors at the entrance, eight bus stances, plenty of seating, a café, and a ticket office with a lowered counter. All the buses at the eight stances appeared to be accessible, with lowered ramps to permit access. The signage is appropriate for the venue, but I didn't observe any hearing loops or alternative formats.

Parking & Transport

Good

Local parking can be found at the NCP car park, which is just above the station and has 8 accessible spaces and 564 standard spaces, with lift access to each floor. There is a charge for this, so please do your research before visiting. The Piccadilly Metrolink is an eight-minute walk away, though plenty of buses service nearby Portland Street. On Chorlton Street, Free Bus 1 and 2 stop outside the Sheena Simon Campus.

Accessible Toilets

Average

There is a single accessible toilet at this location. It's small but functional and has enough space for a powerchair and a carer if needed. The toilet requires a RADAR key to enter and is locked from the inside by raising the handle. The toilet was reasonably clean for a bus station. It is located on the rear wall and doesn't contrast with the white tiled walls; however, the single grab rail to the left (when seated) does contrast. The emergency cord is also on the left, but it was tied up several feet from the ground, and both plastic bangles are broken. I fixed it, but goodness knows how long it’s been like that. There's a low, small sink with a lever tap and a baby change table, which has braille lettering on the bottom right corner. My low score reflects the lack of grab rails and the state of the emergency cord. It should hang freely in case someone falls or needs assistance.

Additional Information

There are vending machines at this location.