The accessibility of the rail network has stopped me from attending this afternoon’s premier league clash between Aston Villa and Burnley with just a few hours until kick off.
Trains from Birmingham New Street to Hereford have been cancelled from 6pm which is the time that I planned to travel home after the match which kicks off at 2pm.
As a wheelchair user I cannot just board rail replacement buses and have to rely on operators booking accessible taxis so that I can complete my journey. Those reading this maybe wondering why I am not asking the operator to do this and that is because it can be stressful for the passenger to ask and have the conservation in many cases over social media with the operator.
Gutted is not the word to describe how I am feeling right now as I was really looking forward to attending this match against one of the leagues claret and blue sides.
It might be a Sunday however that doesn’t excuse the fact that trains can just be cancelled at incredibly short notice because of in many cases a lack of train crew.
More needs to be done so that this is not allowed to occur on a regular basis especially on days that there sporting fixtures and other events in the region, its time for change now and not in the next 5 or 10 years when it suits.
Travelling by rail if you have disabilities or mobility issues is normally easy with the option of assisted travel being booked upto 2 hours before departure in 1 of 3 ways:
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.
However you do have a legal right to just turn up and go without booking any assistance prior to travel.
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I wish all those who are able to travel to the match later by rail a safe, successful and enjoyable afternoon and I hope that they understand the challenges that our community faces when travelling this way.
A thank you must also go to you my regular loyal readers and social media followers who continually take the time out of your busy schedules to read my latest posts, it doesn’t go unnoticed and is of course very much appreciated.
Cam
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