The Rail Delivery Group (RDG) brings together train operators and Network Rail to improve the Britain’s railways.
A report, On Track for 2020?: The Future of Accessible Rail Travel, commissioned by RDG and written in 2015, highlighted the specific challenges facing the railway in meeting the needs of older and disabled passengers. This report has since helped shape our thinking on how best to meet the increasing expectations for a more accessible and inclusive railway.
While, overall, the report was optimistic in its outlook, it highlighted some clear areas of focus including how to ensure customers with specific accessibility needs can be helped when a Guard is not present on the train.
Since the report was commissioned RDG have made progress: improving the ability for customers to travel unassisted and extending the Turn Up and Go service; introducing a national freephone number and a SMS service for deaf and hard of hearing customers to make it easier for them to book assistance via their text phone unit; and improving the information they provide at stations regarding disabled facilities.
They are also working to improve the information offered online, making it easier for customers to plan their journey and seeking to reduce anxiety which can be a barrier to travelling.
RDG are also piloting a universal access ramp for wheelchairs and looking into improving the availability of disabled toilets.