Two years ago today was when I first stood on the platforms at Witton Lane station which is a stones throw away from Villa Park in Birmingham with officials from West Midlands Railway (WMR).
I shared with them some of the challenges that I and others faced when using the rail network to get to and from matches or events at the home of Aston Villa.
This led to a discussion around how the experience for those with mobility issues and disabilities could be improved across the network that the operator manages.
After a few minutes of discussion amongst all those in attendance I suddenly had a light bulb moment and suggested that the operator considers the possibility of trialling accessible waiting spaces and signage at some stations.
The stations chosen would either be unstaffed or have high volumes of passengers requiring some sort of assistance to board or disembark trains at the stations.
It is fair to say that they (the operator) liked the idea and started figuring out how this could be delivered across the network.
Since January 2024 19 railway stations in the region have seen the installation of the spaces and signage on the platforms and they are: Aston, Witton Lane, Coventry Arena, The Hawthorns, Kenilworth, Worcester Foregate Street, Worcester Shrub Hill, Telford Central, Shenstone, Blake Street, Gravelly Hill, Erdington, Chester Road, Wylde Green, Litchfield City, Four Oaks, Lye, Sutton Coldfield and Selly Oak.
Blue and white boxes which feature a white wheelchair logo and the words ” for mobility assistance, please wait here” along with signage positioned directly behind the spaces mirroring the same messaging can be seen from either end of the platforms by passengers, station staff and train crew.
Those requiring assistance to board or disembark trains, can book there assisted travel up to 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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Without the dedication and hard work of the team at West Midlands Railway none of this would have become a reality, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for changing the way those with disabilities can travel by rail. It has not gone unnoticed and is as always much appreciated.
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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