GTR and Thomas Pocklington Trust join forces for rail accessibility

Blind and partially sighted people are on track to gain insight and confidence in train travel thanks to a joint initiative by Govia Thameslink Railway and Thomas Pocklington Trust.

The two organisations took a group of seven Sight Loss Council members, who are themselves blind or partially sighted, to trial a ‘Try A Train’ event at three major stations in London.

Sight Loss Councils are regional groups funded by Thomas Pocklington Trust. They work together with organisations to ensure what they do is accessible and inclusive.

During the trial event, a team of station supervisors and managers met the group as they took the train between King’s Cross, Finsbury Park and St Pancras.

The stations were chosen because they are particularly busy which can make them difficult to navigate.

The supervisors showed the group the full range of facilities and assistance on hand, designed to give everyone the confidence to travel independently.

This included where to find staff, toilets and lifts. They said that if ever someone needs reassurance on a lonely platform, there’s a help point to put them in touch with someone who will keep an eye on them with CCTV.

On the trains, they found out about facilities, including accessible toilets, and features including how to get in touch with the driver using the passenger communication alarm.

At Finsbury Park they discovered how to navigate the station including using new lifts and onward travel links with bus and Tube.

Harry Meade, a Sight Loss Council member from London who attended, said: “I do feel that other blind and partially sighted people would find a tour like this illuminating and useful. This is especially true for those who are less confident travellers.

“Navigating a busy station has always been a problem for me so I would always seek the assistance that is on offer.”

Lucy Williams, Senior Engagement Manager for Thomas Pocklington Trust, said: “Sight Loss Councils across England are prioritising making transport accessible because blind and partially sighted people have told us being able to travel independently and safely matters to them the most.

“We are pleased to be working with Govia Thameslink Railway to help shape an event specifically for blind and partially sighted people, and their commitment to increasing accessibility and confidence to travel.

“Our members definitely found the event useful and feel it would benefit others.”

Antony Merlyn, Accessibility Manager at Govia Thameslink Railway, said: “The core purpose of these trips is to encourage independent travel and to help overcome any potential barriers. We will always tailor the event around what the groups want to explore. This was a good trip; I felt it made a real difference and we are very happy to host more of them.”