Overview

York Street Railway Station is a relatively new station, which opened in North Belfast in April 2024 to replace Yorkgate Station. It's interesting to note that this station opened the day after Yorkgate closed - that's efficiency! As a new station, it looks fresh and not at all dated. It's spacious and freshly painted, with plenty of natural light and excellent accessibility features. It was a pleasure to visit, and the staff are engaged, eager to hear how they can improve, and generally fantastic.

Transport & Parking

The closest bus stop is right outside, where the U1 service operates! You won't get more central than that. I spotted a car park outisde with a small number of spaces, but only one accessible parking space. There are a lot of new developments at the station, so there may be other spaces - though the Translink website has yet to add this information.

Access

There are automatic doors at the entrance, with tactile metal markings leading to areas of importance. Entering from the street, you need to take the lift up to the platform level, where you'll find a well-stocked coffee shop, the ticket gates and both an accessible toilet and a Changing Places toilet. Where there are stairs, the edges are clearly marked and grab rails are installed. The stairs also have one of my favourite accessibility features: braille on the underside of the rail noting which floor you're on. Escalators are also available, with bannisters on either side. The lifts are suitable for most mobility devices, with rails on the inside. There are no braille buttons, but the numbers are raised on each button. Induction loops operate at the front desk and on the platforms. Some staff members, in particular Joe, can sign BSL. Joe is so passionate about inclusion that he's been encouraging other staff to learn, which is nothing short of amazing. Tactile paving is installed at the edges of the platform. You'll also find plenty of places to take a seat, as there is no shortage of benches.

Toilets

I visited the accessible toilet and the Changing Places toilet at this new station and found them both in good condition. For clarity, I'll provide information on both separately. Changing Places Toilet I love an unexpected Changing Places toilet. It's great to see accessibility in the wild, and a place having this facility is generally a place that values disabled people. The toilet is fully stocked, featuring a shower, adjustable changing bed and ceiling track hoist. There is plenty of room for both a left-side and right-side transfer. Contrasting rails are installed on either side of the toilet, and the free-hanging red cord is on the left when seated. The sink is static, with a deep basin, a mirror above and contrasting rails on both sides. A large lever-style tap operates the water supply. There's more than enough space for a powerchair user and several additional people. I should mention that the toilet requires a standard key, which the staff have access to, but they are readily available. The door is secured from the inside by raising the handle and opens outwards. Accessible Toilet The toilet is small but functional. The door opens outwards and does not require a RADAR key. It is secured from the inside by raising the handle. The toilet has space for a left-side transfer. It has a soft backrest, a contrasting toilet seat and contrasting rails on either side. The red cord is on the left when seated and was unobstructed. The small sink has a lever-style tap and grab rails on both sides.

Staff

Stellar. Happy to show me around, eager to learn how they can improve and exceptionally inclusive. Joe in particular is amazing.

Anything else you wish to tell us?

There are tactile metal strips throughout the station. I've learned that the underfloor heating is melting the glue causing these to come loose but there are plans to resolve this.

Photos