The rail network is far more accessible to those supporters with disabilities who travel by rail to matches across the Midlands, I travelled to and from Aston Villa’s matches by train for years with the experience not being pretty.
In February 2023 I voiced my concerns to Aston Villa about the issue of rail accessibility for those of us using the network on match-days and they passed my letter on to the team at West Midlands Trains (WMT).
I met with senior officials from the operator which included Jonny Wiseman the operators Customer Experience Director at Witton Lane station near Birmingham last November where I showed those in attendance what I and others with mobility issues experienced after matches at the station.
All those in attendance than began to discuss potential solutions to the points that I had raised and then it came to me ” the installation of accessible waiting spaces and other types of accessibility signage” so I suggested it to the operator and they thought it was a great idea.
January this year saw the installation of the accessible waiting spaces and other types of accessibility signage at Witton Lane station. Coventry Arena and The Hawthorns railway Stations went onto have the waiting spaces and other types of signage installed just a few months later.
When supporters requiring assistance to board services home after matches arrive back at Witton Lane, Coventry Arena or The Hawthorns they should head to the dedicated waiting spaces and park in them so that event station staff and train crew can see that they need some assistance once the train has arrived at station.
My message to supporters from Aston Villa, Coventry City and West Bromwich Albion who use Witton Lane, Coventry Arena or The Hawthorns to travel home after matches is this, please be mindful of where you are standing on the platforms whilst waiting for your train home as there maybe supporters requiring access to the dedicated spaces on the platforms.
Your support with this is very much appreciated
I would also recommend making yourself known to station staff when you arrive before the match so that they know you will travelling home post match, assisted travel can also be booked up to 2 hours before departure in a number of different ways which are,
By Phone: 0800 024 8998 or by using Next Generation Text – 18001 0800 024 8998.
Online: https://booking.passengerassistance.com.
By using the App: https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/passenger-assistance/id1542190496.
Did you enjoy reading my post about how easy it is to travel by rail as a disabled football supporter across the Midlands for International Day of Person’s with Disabilities (IDPWD), if the answer is yes then why not subscribe and receive future posts direct to your inbox within just a few minutes of publication.
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As always it is only right that I once again thank the incredible team at West Midlands Trains (WMT) for delivering this project in a matter of months, it hasn’t gone unnoticed and is of course very much appreciated.
Thank you must also go to you, my loyal readers and social media followers who continually take the time out of your busy schedules to read my latest post, it doesn’t go unnoticed and is of course very much appreciated.
Cam
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