Improvements in rail infrastructure are needed now
Our Director of Policy Gemma Hope responds to the announcement that tens of thousands of railway staff in Wales are being trained in understanding disabled passengers’ needs.
In response to the announcement that railway staff in Wales are being trained in understanding disabled passengers’ needs, our Director of Policy Gemma Hope said:
“Training staff to provide improved support to disabled passengers is essential to developing inclusive rail travel. While we applaud this commitment from the Office of Rail and Road, 41% of Britain’s rail stations are still not step-free. Unless there are significant improvements in infrastructure, many disabled people won’t be able to access their local station in the first place.
"Our research shows this isn’t a huge ask and an estimated £4.3bn would make all stations in Britain step-free by 2030 - just 2% of overall transport capital spending. We hope the imminent Williams Rail Review reveals the long-term investment that could finally open up opportunities for employment, boost the economy and improve lives.”
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For further information, please contact Jon Sim in the Leonard Cheshire press office on jonathan.sim@leonardcheshire.org or 020 3242 0313/07845 773 370.