Rail accessibility and inclusion news
News about accessibility and inclusion initiatives, projects, policy, training and technology in the rail and urban transport sectors.
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Rail Business UKSign language translation to be tested at London Overground stations
UK: London Overground operating concessionaire Arriva Rail London is to test technology that translates digital passenger information into British Sign Language which can be accessed through a smart device via a personalised digital avatar. The Luna platform supplied by GoMedia uses translation technology from Signapse. Trials ...
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Rail Business UKPilot meet-and-greet service aims to help people use Derby station
UK: East Midlands Railway and software company WelcoMe have launched a six-month pilot of a meet-and-greet service offering customers at Derby station a bespoke appointment to better support them with accessibility needs or specific travelling requirements. Example use cases include: someone who does not require ...
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NewsLow floor coaches added to the GoldenPass Express
SWITZERLAND: Low-floor gauge-changing panoramic coaches have been added to enhance the accessibility of GoldenPass Express services between Montreux, Zweisimmen and Interlaken Ost.
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In depthRolling Stock: Independently accessible M7 coach unveiled
The first of SNCB’s multi-functional M7 push-pull coaches with a 760 mm entrance for level boarding has been presented at Alstom’s Brugge works. Dr Harry Hondius reports.
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Metro Report InternationalDocklands Light Railway travel assistance trial
UK: Transport for London and Docklands Light Railway operator KeolisAmey Docklands are trialling an Access DLR scheme which aims to make travel on the automated light metro more accessible. During the a six-month trial DLR passengers will be able to pre-book a time slot between 07.00 ...
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In depthInterview: ‘We focus on intermodality and resilience’
The Asian Development Bank is focusing on better integration of the many projects it supports, in order to drive intermodality. Meanwhile, any infrastructure ADB finances needs to be climate resilient, its Transport Director Markus Roesner explains to Benjámin Zelki at the bank’s headquarters in the Manila metropolitan area.
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Metro Report InternationalVirtual reality to help people use public transport
BRAZIL: The Alstom Foundation and Instituto Jô Clemente have launched a Virtual Reality for Inclusion initiative which aims to help people with disabilities overcome accessibility obstacles and use urban public transport safely. This will include people with cognitive disabilities, rare diseases and autistic spectrum disorders. Simulated ...
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NewsImprovements to railway serving car-free village near completion
SWITZERLAND: Stadler is delivering new rolling stock as part of the final stage of a programme to increase capacity and accessibility on Bergbahn Lauterbrunnen-Mürren’s metre-gauge railway. Jungfraubahnen company BLM operates a cable car from Lauterbrunnen to Grütschalp, where passengers change to a 4 km adhesion railway ...
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Rail Business UKTrain operator obtains Communication Accessible accreditation
UK: Communication Access UK has accredited East Midlands Railway as being Communication Accessible. This follows the train operator’s efforts to provide enhanced communication choices for customers, and to provide staff with the skills to utilise assistive technology effectively. EMR has introduced TALK cards for staff and ...
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Rail Business UKAccessibility Advisory Panel outlines priority issues for disabled passengers
UK: Top priorities for disabled passengers have been set out by the accessibility Advisory Panel which East West Railway Co established to help inform the design and construction of the future Oxford to Cambridge rail corridor. The panel’s priorities include: accessible toilets on trains and ...
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Rail Business UKAccessibility options added to Southeastern journey planner
UK: Southeastern has added features to its app and online journey planner which are designed to make it easier to plan accessible journeys. A Passenger Assistance booking tool has been integrated with the journey planner and can be used to request help with getting on and ...
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Rail Business UKStation lift reliability needs to be improved, says regulator
UK: The Office of Rail & Road has raised concern over the rate of station lift faults, and it is to review of Network Rail’s processes to ensure it is taking appropriate measures to plan and carry out maintenance and repairs. ORR says there are 1 ...
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NewsCommunication training to improve suburban train accessibility
AUSTRALIA: Adelaide suburban train operator Keolis Downer Adelaide has been accredited under the Communication Access Symbol initiative to help passengers with communication difficulties. Accreditation involved 234 front line staff completing nine months of specialised training. Tools include communication cards and vision boards showing stations and key ...
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Rail Business UKLNER offers free period products on its trains
UK: LNER says it is the first UK train operator to offer free period care products on its trains, as well as at all its stations and offices. Stickers informing customers that TOTM organic period products are available will be displayed in customer toilets onboard and ...
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Rail Business UKSoutheastern launches Social Mobility Action Plan
UK: Southeastern says it is the first UK rail operator to publish a Social Mobility Action Plan. Southeastern worked with The Purpose Coalition on the plan, which is based a framework of ‘Purpose Goals’ mapping out 14 barriers to opportunity. These include various life stages alongside ...
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Rail Business UKRail regulator identifies how assistance for disabled passengers needs to improve
UK: The Office of Rail & Road has identified ways in which the provision of assistance for disabled passengers needs to be improved, following audits of how five operators are meeting regulatory requirements. ORR chose East Midlands Railway, Govia Thameslink Railway, Greater Anglia, LNER and Northern ...
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Rail Business UKNorthern uses AI to trial British Sign Language announcements
UK: Train operator Northern is working with InfoTec and Signapse to test the use of AI to provide onboard announcements in British Sign Language. The software combines individual words signed by a BSL interpreter to display complete sentences on the information screens. The initial trials involve ...
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NewsSNCB unveils independently accessible coach
BELGIUM: National operator SNCB has unveiled the first of 130 double-deck coaches to facilitate wheelchair users travelling without assistance.
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Rail Business UKTrain operator launches British Sign Language interpretation service
UK: East Midlands Railway has signed up to a British Sign Language service to help deaf passengers communicate with staff. The service operated by InterpretersLive is accessed via an app or link which puts users in touch with an BSL interpreter. The interpreter finds out the ...
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Metro Report InternationalTransport for London sets out plan for ‘fairer, more accessible and inclusive’ network
UK: Transport for London has published its Equity in Motion plan committing to more than 80 actions to help create a ‘fairer, more accessible and inclusive’ transport network. The four objectives are an equitable customer experience; protecting and enhancing connectivity; keeping travel affordable; and reducing health ...