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E-mail this to a friendThe custom built hump, designed by Network Rail and funded by the Assembly Government, solves access problems at the small rural station without requiring the re-building of the platform. Valley is the second station in Wales to be equipped with the hump after Aberdyfi station.
The hump means that 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 parents with children in pushchairs. Previously, people with mobility impairments had to be taken by taxi to the nearest station where the platform is at the correct height for the ramp to be used.
Normally, it would cost at least £250,000 to rebuild one basic platform to bring it up to modern standards but the hump solution at Valley cost £87,000. It involves installing a graded hump made of glass reinforced plastic, the height of which can be adjusted in the factory to suit the features of the particular station. It comes in sections that join together so 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.
Speaking at the opening, the Deputy Minister 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.
Improving access to these stations is vital to the economies of these communities and the lives of their residents, and so the Assembly Government is committed to improving the quality of stations and platforms across Wales. With the small number of passengers using rural stations there was no cost effective solution to the problem, until now, so I am delighted to be opening such an innovative facility at Valley.”
The hump could soon be seen across the rest of Anglesey, the Conwy Valley Line, the Heart of Wales Line and the Cambrian Coast Line.
Jerry Swift, head of corporate responsibility at Network Rail, added:
“Disabled passengers, those with small children and pushchairs, the elderly or those with heavy luggage have found getting on and off trains difficult at Valley in the past. Now we have found a cost effective solution.
“Low platforms are a typical problem for rural stations, such as Valley. 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 pleased that this initiative will enable improved access for more passengers at Valley Station. We remain committed to reducing social exclusion through a positive policy of improved access to our trains and stations and we will work closely with our rail industry colleagues and stakeholders to achieve this through positive partnerships”.
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