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South West trains (SWT) held the first stakeholders meeting on access issues at the Holiday Inn at Woking Surrey this week

Guests for the various associations dealing with disability and other interested parties were invited to hear how the network is rolling out improvements to not only to the rolling stock but also the upgrading and improvements of stations as part of the current £38 million investment.

Guests were also invited to suggest areas where improvement could be made as well as highlight areas which really fall below acceptable standards.

The rolling programme of improvements, introduction new rolling stock,  the upgrading of older carriages and stations upgrading allowing access for all of which it appears that targets are currently being  met and exceeded. For the visually impaired Brail on the new ticketing machines tactile surfaces, for the mobility impaired and wheelchair users… lifts ramps handrails and very much to the benefit of all an enhance and improved information systems making travel for those with a wide range of disabilities  hassle and trouble free

Speakers from the Department of transport DFT, Association of train operators (ATOC) and South West trains(SWT) discussed where we would be in the future and the targets time scales and aims.  An opportunity to question and discuss access issues with the speakers turned out to be actually very positive and constructive part of the day’s events. Though the conference was hosted by SWT, the introduction of further improvement right across the country was explained, the aim being that a traveler will experience the same level of standards and treatment through out a journey regardless of how many different train operators they use.

Allen said that he felt pleased that the disabilty model used of a wheelchair user with an assistance dog was fast becoming the norm and that the consideration of those travelling an assistance dog is being build in to all future adaption’s and improvement. It was so refreshing to see other assistance dog partnerships as well at the meeting, one from Guide dogs and another from support dogs.

Allen stated he felt despite all the technical enhancements, whistles buzzers and bells, it is still very much down to the helpful member of staff that is always there with a smile and with a genuine willingness to help. Valuing and investing in the staff is very much a critical factor to improving rail travel for all both now and in the future.

Clapham Junction said many years ago to be the one station, from a Victorian hey day that defies being dragged into the 2000s as fit for use by all.. is now having lifts, improved information systems  and access improved. Haslemere station is having a new footbridge with lifts installed, previously wheelchair users or mobility impaired who in currently have to use a wooden walk way across the tracks at the end of the platform. So the improvement programme can actually be seen rolling out.

“Four years ago I used to travel in the very bleak and cold guards van but now I am travelling in an air-conditioned carriage with an accessible toilet near to hand and space for faithful Endal to travel in comfort” said Allen. I have travelled the rail networks all over the Uk during my 20 years in the Royal Navy but now as a wheelchair user and change is happening ….as fast as one would like hummmm? .. But it has to be recognized that there is positive change afoot With a wicked sense of humor a disabled person stated at the meeting “as disabled people we are not asking for a different level of service, we just want to experience the same level of misery and frustration as our abled bodied fellow travelers…!”

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