Mount Florida Railway Station

dystrophydad

15 Nov 2024

4

4

Servicing Scotlands Soccer Stadium

Date of visit: November 2024

I am a disabled person. I have experience of challenges around: moving around

I use or have experience of: walking aid, wheelchair

Overall Rating

Good

Mount Florida Railway Station is a strangely named station, given the fact there's neither a mountain nor a palm tree anywhere in sight. There's a belief that the name was part of a trend of aspirational naming conventions, with "Mount" supposed to evoke a sense of grandeur and "Florida" in tribute to America's Sunshine State, suggesting warmth, comfort, and prosperity. That said, it's hard to find a definitive answer. The two-platform station is on the Cathcart line and has several accessibility features.

Disabled Access In and Around

Good

For such a small station, I was surprised at how accessible it is. Given there are only two tracks, it's easy to find the platforms, with both having appropriate signage and tactile markings at the edge. There are metal seats on the platforms, as well as in the waiting area/ticket office if you'd rather be out of the elements. Induction loops operate at the ticket office and on the platforms. The office has automatic doors activated by a touchpad. The room is large enough for a powerchair user and several people to sit. The ticket desk can be lowered upon request, and there is a walking stick holder to the left. On the platform, you'll find two vending machines. Annoyingly, the card reader on the machines is high up, which limits access to the machine. There's also an accessible toilet in the direction of the exit. You can either take the stairs, which have tactile markings at the top, bottom, and in the centre, where there's a level section, or the lifts, which have Braille buttons and a handrail around the perimeter. I didn't spot an induction loop in the lift. As you exit the lift, there are more steps on the right, which have rails and tactile markings, or you can take the step-free exit to the left, which has a gentle slope.

Parking & Transport

Average

There are no dedicated parking or drop-off points at this station, though there might be space on nearby Prospect Hill for a quick drop-off. Bus services 31 and 121 stop on Florida Avenue and Cathcart Road, a short distance from the station. I took the train from Glasgow Central, booking assistance via the Passenger Assistance app.

Accessible Toilets

Average

Train station toilets tend to be unpleasant, but I was impressed at the condition of this one. This accessible toilet door opens inwards and is operated by a button on the wall outside. The toilet can be locked from the inside, and the touchpad on the inside will reopen it. The white toilet seat is on the rear wall with contrasting grab rails on both sides. There is space for a right-side transfer, which is unobstructed. There's a wall-mounted hand wash station, which dispenses hot water, soap, and has a hand dryer built in. This hand wash station also has contrasting grab rails. The red cord was tucked behind a toilet paper dispenser, which is frustrating, but I fixed this and attached a Euan’s Guide red cord card to it. Whilst the toilet isn't huge, it could accommodate a few people if needed and has just enough room to turn around most mobility devices. A Colostomy shelf is also available for use. The toilet was clean, presentable, and, at least on my visit, didn't smell.

Staff

Good

John at the ticket office spoke with me for a bit and showed me around. He shared his frustration about the height of the vending machine card readers and told me how staff had to fight against the closure of this station. Given that it's local to our national team's football stadium, that really would have been a shame.