Portaramp design and manufacture portable Rail Ramps that help rail networks deliver reliable, dignified access for passengers with reduced mobility. These ramps do more than simply bridge a gap; they are engineered to be safe, reliable, and practical for operators and passengers across the globe.
Aluminium composite design
Portaramp Rail Ramps are manufactured from a high strength aluminium composite material, combining aluminium external skins with a lightweight honeycomb core to give excellent strength and rigidity whilst providing a low unit weight. In addition to a strong strength to weight ratio, this material performs well in the tough outdoor rail environment where moisture, grit, and temperature changes are everyday realities.
Due to the strength and weight of each Portaramp product, staff can safely position and remove products quickly, while supporting the weight of a wheelchair user, companion, and mobility equipment. The composite panel is designed for longterm durability, so it stays strong and stable under daily use, frequent movement between locations, and storage in tight onboard or platform side spaces.
Safety features as standard
Every Portaramp Rail Ramp is built with side up stands (raised side edges) along its length to help guide wheels and reduce the risk of accidental rolloff. These raised edges provide a clear visual and physical boundary when using the product. An extremely important feature, especially during poor weather and lowlight conditions.
The walking surface is finished with a dedicated slip resistant treatment which helps wheelchair wheels and footwear maintain grip even when the surface is wet. Combined with the side up stands, this high friction surface turns the ramp into a controlled, predictable access route that supports confident boarding and alighting.
Standard and bespoke lengths for real operations
Portaramp understands that there is no “standard” rail ramp, due to the wide variety of rolling stock across the glo rail network, where operators also have to accommodate varying platform heights and widths from our Victorian rail network. Back in 2025, the UK celebrated the 200th anniversary of the modern railway in Britain and whilst there have been significant technological developments over the last 200+ years, there is not a universal ramp product which can be used across all operating companies and all UK stations.
Portaramp work from a wide library of proven designs and drawings to identify a suitable ramp for each operator’s specific interface. Portaramp also engineer new, fully bespoke ramp lengths and configurations that still use the same proven structure and safety features. This approach allows operators globally to solve local platform–train interface challenges while keeping a consistent, compatible access solution across their fleets.
PRMaligned design and ISO driven quality
Portaramp Rail Ramps are designed to align with key accessibility standards used in the rail sector, including the UK’s PRM National Technical Specification Notice (PRM NTSN) and the European PRM Technical Specification for Interoperability (PRM TSI). These frameworks set expectations for safe gradients, edge protection, load capacity, slip resistance, and the management of boarding aids within the wider rail system.
Portaramp manufactures its products within an ISO accredited quality management system, ensuring that design, procurement, production, and inspection are controlled in a consistent and traceable way. By working within an ISO accredited quality system, Portaramp helps ensure that every ramp is built and verified to consistent specifications.
Supporting global operators and their passengers
For global rail operators, Portaramp provide a practical, repeatable way to deliver accessible boarding without major infrastructure change. Lightweight aluminium composite construction and integrated handling features ensure frontline teams can deploy and remove ramps quickly and safely – even on congested platforms and during limited dwell times. This helps support punctuality while maintaining safe, dignified assistance for passengers with reduced mobility.
A simple concept, made to fit locally
The beauty of our product is its adaptability. Portaramp can manufacture the product to suit the requirements of the user. Portaramp can incorporate changes to length, width, or configuration depending on the requirements of the customer. Always ensuring that these changes fall within the legislative requirements. No complex systems, no unnecessary features – just one dependable Portaramp, specifically designed to your requirements.
Predictable, dignified boarding with Portaramp
Modern accessibility expectations go beyond basic legal compliance. Passengers want boarding to feel routine, dignified, and safe, with minimal disruption to their journey. Portaramp’s high strength aluminium composite ramps, with safety side up stands and slip resistant surfaces, create a stable and predictable interface between platform and train that reduces anxiety for both passengers and staff.
By combining robust engineering, alignment with recognised PRM principles, and ISO driven quality management, Portaramp offers portable Rail Ramps that are relevant to operators worldwide. Deployed across diverse climates, infrastructures, and regulatory environments, these ramps support a boarding experience that feels professional, dependable, and inclusive for passengers with reduced mobility on every journey.
Why not start the year with accessibility at the forefront of your operations?
Contact Portaramp today to discuss how our Rail Ramps can support your network.
+44 (0) 1953 681 799
This article was originally written by Portaramp.