Record numbers of passengers are taking advantage of assisted travel across the West Midlands Railway and London Northwestern Railway networks, new figures have revealed.
London Northwestern Railway and West Midlands Railway have welcomed the launch of a new £20m accessibility fund by the Department for Transport (DfT). The DfT has pledged to make money available for station improvements such as paving and raised platform edges.
Over £740,000 is being spent on improving cycle facilities at London Northwestern Railway and West Midlands Railway stations across the network. The Department for Transport has awarded the train operators £371,000 of funding through their Cycle Rail programme, representing around 6% of the total awarded nationally. This is being match funded to help deliver an extensive improvement programme.
Passengers at Crewe station now have access to a new waiting room, specifically designed to offer those with hidden disabilities a safe and calm environment. The Calm Corner is the first of its kind on the rail network, brought to life through the work of train operators at the station, Network Rail and advice from a number of partner charities.
The rail industry is launching a new interactive map which will make it easy for passengers to find out about accessibility at stations, helping to boost their confidence to travel by train. This is part of the industry’s wider programme of work to improve access to rail and deliver long-term change.
Three stations operated by West Midlands Railway will benefit from funding to introduce vital upgrades to provide step free access to all platforms. Smethwick Rolfe Street, Wellington and Worcester Shrub Hill have all been chosen to benefit from Department for Transport (DfT) ‘Access for All’ programme funding.
