Over the last couple of years residents have mentioned to me that the south platform at Broughty Ferry Station is too low and requires a big step to get on/off of a train. I contacted TACTRAN , the regional transport partnership, about it in May of last year who raised the issue for me with Network Rail. At that time the response was that there are several low platforms within the Scotland route and its funding for operational property does not include funding for raising low platforms. It went on to say that it was reviewing the condition of the platform at Broughty Ferry and that there could be an opportunity to raise the platform linked to a condition renewal should funding be available within the next two years of its current control period (2009/2014).
In response to a question about how the high step is managed First Scotrail advised that all of its trains carry portable ramps which on-train staff can use at unstaffed stations if required. The recommendation is that travel assistance is booked in advance whenever possible to ensure that First Scotrail is able to make the necessary arrangements.
The height of the platform has been mentioned by more people recently with the increased number of trains now stopping at Broughty Ferry. I have heard nothing further from Network Rail so I was really pleased to see that in response to an enquiry from Broughty Ferry Community Council, First Scotrail has provided stepping-boxes at the station.
