Record numbers of disabled people using railways

30th January 2012

New figures show that a record number of British disabled people are using the nation's railways, the BBC reports.

Statistics from the Association of Train Operating Companies (Atoc) have revealed that the number of journeys made by passengers with Disabled Person's Railcards has more than trebled over the past 15 years.

At least 130,000 disabled cardholders now use the railways thanks to their discount of one-third off most journeys.

Campaign groups believe that more should be done to make the country's stations and trains accessible, however Atoc believes that significant improvements have been made.

Interactive maps of all 2,500 stations in the UK are now available online, and assistance can be booked in advance online, at the train station or over the phone.

"Accessible public transport plays a key role in allowing disabled people to lead an independent life, so it's good news that more and more people are taking advantage of the railcard," David Sindall, head of disability and inclusion at Atoc, told the broadcaster.

Mr Sindall praised the significant amount of progress made over the past 30 years to ensure that rail travel is accessible for everyone but admitted that work must be ongoing and consultation with disabled charities, individuals and support groups would be necessary to gain a fairer public transport service.

Earlier this month, the Department for Transport and Transport Scotland announced new funding for railway stations across the country to improve accessibility for disabled users.

This involves improving five Scottish rail stations with funding from the Access for All scheme and will see the introduction of ramps, lifts and better disabled parking facilities.

Stations at Dunblane, Dyce, Newton, Rosyth and Shotts are all due for renovation, with Exeter, Lewisham and Middlesborough designated for similar projects in England over the next three years.
 

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