Passengers travelling from Dalmuir and Motherwell will benefit from full step-free access at both stations as part of a drive to widen the use of public transport.

A new footbridge with three lifts spanning all five platforms has been completed at Dalmuir, while a new footbridge and lift to the one inaccessible platform at Motherwell has also been installed.

ScotRail is also installing automatic entrance doors throughout Motherwell Station to complement the work.

Plans to improve access at Easterhouse, Hyndland, Linlithgow, Montrose and Perth are being drawn up as part of the second phase of the Access for All programme with work expected to begin in the New Year.

Funding for the work at Dalmuir and Motherwell was sourced from the UK Government’s Access for All fund which was launched in 2006.

Plans are also under way to create a new new station building and ticket office at Dalmuir by 2011.

Chris Clark, Rail Accessibility Manager for Transport Scotland, said: “We want to encourage as many disabled people as possible to use rail services by improving access to stations across the country.

“Stepped access makes using some stations difficult for many people, including those with wheelchairs, the elderly, those with pushchairs, or even passengers with heavy or awkward luggage.

“Access for All has delivered key improvements to stations around the country over the past three years and we are delighted that all passengers at Dalmuir and Motherwell now have step-free access to all station facilities.

“We are looking ahead to 2010 and have identified a number of stations for the next phase.”