ScotRail figures show seven stations are not fully accessible

The shocking data released by ScotRail shows that only six out of 13 stations across the district had full step-free access to all platforms as of October. 

The remaining seven - accounting for 54 per cent - have partial step-free access, or no step-free access at all. 

West Scotland Scottish Labour MSP Katy Clark today hit out at the findings. 

Ms Clark said: "It is shameful that disabled people are still being are locked out of train stations in Inverclyde.

"Inverclyde deserves a modern, accessible rail network so our communities can thrive.

"Public transport in the 21st century should be fully accessible to all."

Responsibility for improving accessibility at Scottish stations is shared by the UK and Scottish governments.

Ms Clark is demanding action from government and from transport providers, including a review of the Access for All funding programme which seeks to address issues faced by disabled passengers and those with mobility constraints. 

The MSP added: "The West of Scotland continues to be shamefully overlooked when it comes to infrastructure investment.

"This is an issue I have raised with both governments previously. 

"Our two governments must work together to design a real plan to end this scandal and ensure rail travel is accessible to everyone."

Each station in Inverclyde has received a grading from ScotRail which reflects its level of accessibility. 

A total of six Inverclyde stations fall into category A and are described as having 'step-free access to and between all platforms, at all times trains are running, via level access, lifts or ramps'.

These stations are Branchton, Drumfrochar, Gourock, Inverkip, Whinhill, and Wemyss Bay. 

A total of five stations are classed as category B and have a 'degree of step-free access to at least one platform, which may be in both directions or in one direction only'. 

These stations are Cartsdyke, Fort Matilda, Greenock Central, Port Glasgow, and Woodhall.

However, Port Glasgow station recently underwent a £5 million upgrade, including an elevator to accommodate disabled people. 

Only two stations - Bogston and Greenock West - fall into category C as they do not offer step-free access to any platform. 

A spokesperson for ScotRail said Access for All funding is used to create an 'obstacle free, accessible route from the station entrance to the platform' which can include adding lifts or ramps. 

They admit that the structure of the historic rail network means there are access limitations at some stations. 

ScotRail highlighted that passengers with disabilities can make use of its Accessible Travel Service programme by booking in advance or asking train station staff for help on the day. 

Phil Campbell, ScotRail customer operations director, said: "ScotRail is committed to making sure that all rail users have equal access. 

"We enable tens of thousands of assisted travel journeys each year, and many more spur of the moment trips. 

"We're committed to building on the success of the Accessible Travel Service which includes listening to and acting on feedback from our customers.

"We'll continue to work with our stakeholders at all levels to ensure that everyone can travel on Scotland's railway with confidence."

A Network Rail Scotland spokesperson added: "Many of our stations date from the Victorian period and were not designed with the needs of all travellers in mind.

"Accessibility improvements across Britain are funded by the Department for Transport and delivered in Scotland by ourselves and Transport Scotland.

"We work closely with both governments, local authorities and our train operators to review accessibility at our stations and upgrade as many as possible for our customers."