Members of the Nestrans board unanimously agreed to commission a feasibility study to improve disabled access at a North-east train station.
A report, which was considered by the board, said Insch train station is “currently non-compliant” in terms of disability legislation.
It pointed out that travellers with mobility issues cannot access the westbound platform because it is reached by an overbridge with stairs.
A government funding scheme, which pays to make stations accessible to all, is currently over-subscribed and only train stations with much higher usage have been its focus to date, including Dyce, Elgin and Montrose.
Councillor Peter Argyle, who chairs the board, said: “It’s not acceptable to have a station in the 21st Century which a substantial amount of the population find difficult to access.
“I do feel we should try to do what we can to push that forward.”
The feasibility study, which is likely to cost £25,000, would see if any cost-effective solution is possible and could be conducted by a suitable consultant, in partnership with the rail industry.
Building a new overbridge is considered to be an expensive solution that would cost in the region of £2 million, but other options include extending the platform westwards along with introducing pedestrian access.
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