Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, Merseyrail and Network Rail have launched a new accessibility forum to engage with customers with accessibility needs and the organisations that represent them.
Service users and representatives from 17 organisations across the voluntary sector, which support people with accessible rail travel needs, came together for the forum’s first meeting in September.
Wendy Booth, representing Bradbury Fields, a charity for blind and partially sighted people, said: “It is a great opportunity to have a positive input in representing the particular needs of our service users, influencing the policies of Merseyrail and exploring the possibility of training their staff on the issues relating to visually impaired users.
“It was also good to see such a variety of organisations represented at the meeting on behalf of their service users and members, and it is a fantastic opportunity for Merseyrail to lead the way in providing a service which meets the needs of all.”
Merseyrail announced at the forum that its new fleet of trains will feature sliding step technology, enabling passengers to use the train with step-free access and without the need for assistance.
The forum also hosted a consultation on Merseyrail’s current accessibility travel training for front-line staff, with attendees feeding back on how this could be improved further.
Furthermore, updates were provided on Covid-19 changes, guidance around face covering exemption, step-free access across the network and potential new stations.
Network Rail also provided information on the rollout of a new Passenger Assistance web application across the UK rail network.
