New interactive map provides accessibility information for every station in Britain

The rail industry has launched a new interactive map which will make it easy for passengers to find out about station accessibility, helping to boost confidence regarding travelling by train.

The new ‘Access Map’ has information about all stations across Britain and allows people to, at a glance, identify whether a station in the country is accessible. Passengers can view anywhere in Britain using the Access Map, which displays:

• Whether stations have step free or partial step free access
• What facilities are available at a station, including accessible toilets and changing places
• Where alternative accessible stations are for on-the-go planning.

Access Map is compatible with accessible features on iPhone, Android and desktop computers, including for visually-impaired people. It is also being developed as an app, which will be released in 2019 to make it even easier to use on the go.

Robert Nisbet, Director, Regions & Nations at the Rail Delivery Group, said: “Our new map will help to boost passengers’ confidence when they travel by train, eliminating the element of surprise and giving them the reassurance that comes with planning a journey and knowing what to expect.

“We know we need to go further and the rail industry is driving bigger changes to make the railway accessible for everyone. We’re investing billions of pounds into thousands of more accessible carriages, developing an app to speed up booking assistance, and upgrading infrastructure to make stations across the country more accessible.”

This new map is one part of the rail industry’s long-term plan to increase access to the railway, supporting more people to travel by train. The rail industry is also trialling an app and upgrading back-office computer systems used by booking centres and station staff to speed up booking assistance. From November 2019, people will be able to set up user profiles and spend less time on the phone when booking assistance. Beginning next year, rail staff will start using the upgraded systems and by summer 2020, the customer app will go live, helping passengers have more control over their journey.

Transport Accessibility Minster, Nusrat Ghani, said: “I am delighted to see this new interactive map launched, marking an important step towards our aim of providing disabled passengers with the information they need to travel independently – a key commitment in our Inclusive Transport Strategy.

“However, we know there is more to do, which is why earlier this month we announced the 73 stations across the country which will receive a share of £300 million Access for All funding to improve disabled access.”