FAILING OUR DISABLED PASSENGERS

At the time of writing it is the end of 2019 and Twitter is full of depressingly similar examples of disabled passengers being left on trains, made uncomfortable by poorly trained staff and made to feel like second class citizens. How and why are we still failing our disabled passengers?

Making rail travel accessible is so much more than providing ramps, (though they are of course very important) it comprises multiple elements. From the type of information screens used to the size and material of handrails, the use of braille signs, colour contrast on doors, audible alarms for closing doors and so much more, the specifications for rolling stock are tailored to attempt to meet the needs of all passengers.

Sadly, not all units are currently compliant, despite the January 1, 2020 deadline, a fact not helping our disabled passengers feel valued as customers. However, most of the UK’s rolling stock is moving in the right direction to ensure not only compliance but passenger comfort and satisfaction.

When so much effort goes into designing the stock to meet rail vehicle accessibility regulations (RVAR), why are so many disabled passengers on record as saying the rail industry makes them feel like second class citizens?

Twitter snapshot

At this juncture, it is worth pointing out although some disability advocates make a point to acknowledge the days when their travel is stress free, mostly when the system works, we tend not to hear about it. The occasions that make the headlines are when it fails.

Rail Delivery Group (RDG)