ScotRail has apologised after a conductor refused to let a disabled Edinburgh passenger onboard a train service from Waverley Station.
Ignas Stankevicius travelled from Dunfermline to Edinburgh Waverley on Sunday, January 15, without issue but was blocked from boarding a return service home.
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The conductor told the disabled 33-year-old he couldn't board because he didn't have "permission" for his mobility aid reports the Record.
Ignas' wheelchair has a 'Triride' motorised front wheel and handlebar attachment that makes it easier for him to get around. The wheel can be removed in seconds to convert the chair back to a manual roller.
In footage taken by Ignas' helmet camera, the conductor tells him: "Have you got permission to use this electric scooter? It's bigger than the size that's permitted. I don't need to measure you, I've got a guideline of what's accepted and what's not. Sorry, sir, go get permission."
The passenger then pleads with the conductor to allow him to demonstrate that his chair fits on the train by removing the additional wheel, but the staffer refuses.
After being left alone on the platform, Ignas was forced to call police officers for assistance and was taken to station managers to resolve the situation.
Ignas, who was left paralysed from the chest down after a skydiving accident in 2011, believes the situation could have been avoided if the conductor had heard him out.
He said: "ScotRail staff should be educated, the whole policy should be changed. It's discriminatory.
"I felt completely frustrated and angry. They delayed me in getting home and put me through physical and mental pain. I will never forgive them for that.
"The train is my main mode of transport. Most conductors are helpful human beings and I always use my chair. I've never been questioned about permission before.
Ignas described the Triride as a "game-changer" and says the invention has made life easier for him and allows him to travel to different cities and towns and through the countryside.
The Lithuanian native plans to take legal action over the incident and hopes ScotRail will change their policies.
He added: "I'm trying to fight for all the disabled community. ScotRail need to update their policies. Everyone should be treated equally, it's my human right."
LNER, another train company, ultimately paid for a taxi to get him home. The Record understands that staff at the long-distance rail firm sorted a cab after being unable to get him back to Dunfermline on one of their own services.
Ignas said: "It wasn't LNER's job to help me and they helped me. They were fantastic."
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David Lister, ScotRail's safety director, said: “I was sorry to learn of Mr Stankevicius’ experience as ScotRail is dedicated to making sure that all rail users have equal access.
The incident on 15 January is being investigated and staff will be supported regarding how to best assist customers who are travelling with adapted wheelchairs.
“We have been in contact with Mr Stankevicius to arrange a meeting to discuss his experience and his needs going forward, and we’ll continue to work to ensure that everyone can travel on Scotland’s Railway with confidence.”
A British Transport Police spokesperson said: "Officers received a request for assistance from rail staff at Edinburgh Waverley at 3.49pm on 15 January. A man had been refused travel by staff and officers assisted him in finding an alternative route to his destination."
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