Transport for All? – ABC to sit down with RDG and Govia reps to discuss accessibility on Southern Rail

We are honoured to have been invited to Transport for All’s rail accessibility conference, which will be held at the SCOPE headquarters in London on Tuesday 13th December. ABC campaigner Emily Yates will be joining the panel; alongside accessibility expert Ann Bates OBE, and accessibility managers from Govia Thameslink Railway and the Rail Delivery Group.

The event will open with presentations from TfA Chair, Alan Benson, detailing the campaign’s concerns; and Campaign for Better Transport’s Lianna Etkind, who’ll be speaking on the topic of rail franchising. The day concludes with the 90-minute panel discussion – which should be ample time to raise our concerns with the persons directly responsible for providing access on the railways.

We have been concerned for some time over the lack of foresight given to access requirements, amid the very hasty roll-out of Driver Only Operation in the South. The On Board Supervisor role was just recently adapted to accommodate wheelchair users, and the needs of disabled passengers received only a single passing mention in the RSSB report on the matter.

We are also aware that a new map has been introduced on the 377 trains – indicating compulsory advance booking all over the network. This, we believe, represents a clear breach of the Equality Act.

new-access-map

The Transport for All conference is open to its members, and representatives from the rail industry. However, Emily is able to bring a few guests – so, if you are keen to attend, do get in touch.

For more information on Transport for All, click here.

2 thoughts on “Transport for All? – ABC to sit down with RDG and Govia reps to discuss accessibility on Southern Rail”

  1. I should dearly like to come along to this. I am a traveller who relies on a powered wheelchair to get around. My experience of railway travel is varied and has had a number of ‘unpleasant’ consequences.

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  2. Thank you for publicising the event. Which is most worthwhile.
    It’s such a pity the event has been organised in London the week when Southern trains are being hit by ASLEF action. I would like to have attended. I hope this email is helpful in supporting your campaign.

    Like

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