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<p>The Government appreciates how frustrating the issue of the difference in platform-to-train
gap can be for passengers with disabilities and we remain committed to ensuring that
all passengers have the same opportunities to travel on the rail network.</p><p>Gaps
can vary at stations across the network, due to both the design of the station and
the platforms at the time of construction, sometimes more than a hundred years ago.
It also has to vary according to the type of services which use the line, for example,
high-speed, commuter and freight trains.</p><p>The rail industry takes several approaches
to improving the stepping distance between platform and train, for example the Department
for Transport has funded a number of raised sections of platforms across the country
to provide level boarding on to trains e.g. Harrington, Whaley Bridge and Ty Croes.
However, these may not be suitable for all locations.</p><p>There are also 378 carriages
forming 58 trains currently in service with Greater Anglia that have lower floor sections
with in-built ramps. Under delivery are a further 133 carriages forming 35 trains
for Transport for Wales and 208 carriages forming 54 trains for Merseyrail, all of
which have in-built ramps.</p>
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