Blind Passengers Struggle Without Taxi Rank at Grand Central Station

A blind Belfast man has called on Translink to provide better support for visually impaired passengers after facing difficulties in accessing taxis from Grand Central Station. Oran Morrison, 63, who frequently travels from the £340 million transport hub to Enniskillen, has reported being left stranded due to the lack of a taxi rank and staff restrictions on assisting passengers beyond the station premises.

Accessibility Concerns for Blind Passengers

Morrison, who books special assistance in advance, has experienced multiple instances where staff failed to meet him as expected. When no assistance is available, he must rely on the goodwill of taxi drivers or other passengers to help him reach Glengall Street, where taxis currently wait.

Oran Morrison stated:

"I don’t expect a flag and a marching band when I get there, I just need some assistance. First of all to the loo and then to where the taxis are gathered beside the old Europa bus centre."

However, staff have informed Morrison that they are not allowed to accompany passengers outside the station due to insurance policies.

Oran Morrison added:

"It leaves me in a very difficult position because I’m grounded then and through no fault of my own I can’t find where the taxis are. I would never be able to get there myself."

Absence of a Taxi Rank and Its Impact

The lack of an on-site taxi rank has exacerbated the problem, with drivers hesitant to approach the station. This issue has affected other blind passengers, including Richard Moore, founder of the Children in Crossfire charity, who also shared a negative experience at the station.

Oran Morrison further stated:

"I’m in a catch-22 because there are no taxis wanting to come near the station itself when there is no taxi rank. Up to now I have met staff with a wee bit of common sense who were happy to take me down, but it’s putting them into a difficult position."

While Translink has not addressed Morrison’s case specifically, the organization confirmed that a taxi rank and drop-off area will be established once construction is completed.

A Translink spokesperson stated:

"When the public realm space outside Belfast Grand Central Station is completed, a taxi rank and drop-off area will be located directly outside the station."