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An innovative, cost-effective access solution for small rural stations was unveiled at Aberdyfi station last week (Thursday 3 December) and could soon be seen across Wales.

The custom built hump, designed by Network Rail and funded by the Welsh Assembly Government, solves access problems at the small rural station without requiring the re-building of the platform.

For the first time at Aberdyfi people with mobility impairments will be able to board trains with the use of on-train ramps - installed on all Arriva Trains Wales trains. It will also make life easier for all users, including mothers with children and buggies.

Previously people with mobility impairments had to be taken by taxi to the nearest station where the platform had the right gradient for the ramp.

Deputy First Minister and Minister for the Economy and Transport, Ieuan Wyn Jones, officially opened the new hump and said it could be vital in improving access at other stations across Wales.

He said the Welsh Assembly Government would now be funding a similar solution for Valley Station on Anglesey, for delivery early in 2010, and it could soon be seen across the rest of Anglesey, the Conwy Valley Line, the Heart of Wales Line and the Cambrian Coast Line.

Mr Jones said a bid had also been put in for funding under the Department for Transport Access for All Scheme, which would allow them to make the approach to stations wheelchair accessible at the same time as the hump is installed.

One example is Llwyngwril station further along the Cambrian Coast where the combination of surface improvements to the approach and a hump would together provide a solution.

The hump solution, which cost £70,000 at Aberdyfi, involves installing a graded hump made of glass reinforced plastic. Its height can be adjusted in the factory to suit the features of the particular station. And as it comes in sections that join together, it can be made to any length required.

It is known as a ‘Harrington Hump’ after the station in Cumbria, where it made its debut last year.  

Normally, it would cost at least £250,000, often more, to rebuild one basic platform to bring it up to modern standards.

The Assembly Government have also funded a replacement shelter at Aberdyfi and two new shelters at Tywyn, which is used regularly by local school pupils.

Mr Jones said:

"Many of Wales’ stations date back to when the railways were first built 150 years ago. In those days there was no single standard design for trains or stations, which has left a legacy of low platforms at mainly rural stations. With the small number of passengers using rural stations there was no cost effective solution to the problem – until now.

"As set out in the One Wales agreement and the National Transport Plan, the Welsh Assembly Government is committed to improving the quality of stations and platforms across Wales.

"Subject to the success of a major bid for EU Convergence funding, we intend to roll out a national easier access programme for Wales at selected rural stations over the next two years."

Jerry Swift, head of corporate responsibility at Network Rail, explains:

"At the moment passengers with small children and pushchairs, the elderly or those with heavy luggage can find getting on and off trains difficult at Aberdyfi. Now we have found a cost effective solution.

"Low platforms are a typical problem for rural stations, such as Aberdyfi. The hump provides easier access and this in turn means more people can use the trains.  The increase in passenger numbers can be the catalyst for further investment in the local railway, enhancing it even more to meet the increased demand."

Ian Bullock, Customer Services Director at Arriva Trains Wales said:

"We are delighted that the Welsh Assembly Government has supported this scheme to enable access for more passengers at Aberdyfi Station and pending funding confirmation, at many more rural stations across the Arriva Trains Wales network."

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