MIDLAND residents are bringing renewed scrutiny to the distance between the newly opened Midland station and the carpark as commuters experience the 500m walk.

Midland resident and long-time train commuter Amanda Brown said the community had been very vocal about the long, unsheltered walk from the carpark to the station since it opened.

“I’ve got serious respiratory issues, I would not be able to walk the distance from the train station and the carpark,” she said.

“Many that I’ve spoken to have said it’s a long way to walk, which is a problem for older commuters and people with disabilities.

“I’ve been a long-time train commuter since 2012 and am used to coming home at night after a hospital night shift.

“At Royal Perth Hospital, you also have a carpark but there’s a cart that nurses can take to their car for safety reasons.

“I think if Metronet provided a courtesy cart, it would be an innovative and compassionate step toward the right direction.”

Commercial Bar and Kitchen publican Kevin Bartholomew said he was happy the development was completed but wished the residents in the area were listened to more.

“People are happy for more investment and infrastructure in the area and it’s terrific for Midland, but it would be nice if they listened to the community voice more when building,” he said.

People with Disabilities WA chief executive officer Kat Johns said accessible design should be proactively built into any new public infrastructure, including train stations.

“Accessibility-integrated design features are important for any train station as they let members of the disability and wider community access our train lines,” she said.

“It’s a shame the refreshed Metronet Midland Station has such a long distance between the parking and its main platform.

“We recommend state and local governments think about accessibility and inclusion early on in the design process for all new bus and train station projects.”

Last year, as  reported in Station shelter not on the books shelter from the carpark to the station was not under consideration despite concerns about the uncovered walkway.

The Public Transport Authority (PTA) said the carpark met disability standards and will install rest stops in coming months.

“To help those who find the distance... challenging, rest stops with seating will be placed every 60m along the route,” a spokesperson said.

“(The carpark has) more than 800 parking bays including 20 ACROD bays. There are three (ACROD) parking bays closer to the station – two on Railway Parade and one on Yelverton Drive.

“The location of the (car park) was chosen after careful planning to make the best use of available land, reduce impacts on local roads, and ensure the new bus interchange works efficiently.”