Train operators ask disabled people to help them improve rail services

A disability rail advisory group is being set up by the Association of Train Operating Companies (ATOC) to provide train companies with a direct link to the thoughts of disabled people in relation to how rail services for them can be improved.

David Sindall, Head of Disability Inclusion at ATOC said: "We want to capture information directly from disabled rail passengers across the country about their needs. We are therefore setting up the panel so that we can establish an on-going dialogue with disabled people."

ATOC is asking that disabled people who want to be involved in the group register their interest by sending an email to disability@atoc.org. They are particularly keen to hear from people with learning difficulties and from those with mental health impairments. The panel will operate primarily as a virtual panel, occasionally meeting face-to-face.

"Our initial research indicated that certain groups of disabled people need to be given greater opportunity to explain the barriers they face when using rail services and help us to find solution to overcoming these barriers,"said Sindall.

The group was launched at an event at the Life Centre in Newcastle on Thursday 19 October, at which disabled people and train company staff came together to celebrate 25 years of the Disabled Persons Railcard (DPRC). The event gave disabled people and train operators the opportunity to celebrate the contribution DPRC has made in enabling disabled people to travel more widely.

It is anticipated that the first meeting of the disability advisory group will take place early in 2007.