Stephen Brookes, DR UK Rail Policy Advisor, said 'We now know that government appointed watchdogs London TravelWatch and Transport Focus received 680,000 responses from the public and stakeholders with many coming from Disabled rail passengers'.
DR UK submitted our views around accessibility, safety and security, issues with ticket machines and how stations will be staffed in future.
The watchdogs will analyse the train operator proposals and public consultation responses before responding to train operators and the Department for Transport by 31 October and we note that Michael Roberts, chief executive of the independent transport watchdog, London TravelWatch, said 'We admit we have had an incredible feedback from the public with more than half a million responses so it’s important we take this time to consider our response'.
The watchdogs are particularly interested in how individual stations will be staffed, how accessible they will be, options for buying tickets and whether passengers will be able to access facilities such as lifts, waiting rooms and toilets.
They have confirmed that if the watchdogs object, the train company then refers its proposal to the Secretary of State for a final decision. The Department for Transport has published guidance which sets out the approach the Secretary of State will take.
Stephen said 'We will ensure that the voice of Disabled people is not ignored in this important issue and we are working with other groups and DPO's to keep the pressure on over this unwarented attack on the day to day travel ability of Disabled people.'