Rail accessibility and inclusion news – Page 3
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In depthAustria: A transport network for everyone
Emerging EU legislation on accessibility will put stronger regulatory requirements on public transport operators to ensure their services are open to all. Faced with a mix of modes including a large legacy tramway, Wien operator Wiener Linien is making steady progress towards meeting this challenge. Toma Bačić reports.
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In depthAccessibility: Time to ‘mind the gap’, once and for all
The provision of level boarding between platforms and trains improves accessibility for all passengers, while cutting station dwell times and reducing safety risks. Gareth Dennis looks at the challenges and considers the best way to solve them.
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NewsAutomated train wheelchair lift launched
SWITZERLAND: Högg Group company Simplify Engineering has received the first order for its latest design of automated train-mounted wheelchair lift.
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Metro Report InternationalCaring for Dementia programme uses transport smart cards to find missing people
CHINA: Hong Kong’s MTR Corp has launched a Caring for Dementia programme, adding functions to its fare collection system which alert staff if a missing person is detected in the network. The Octopus smart card numbers of missing persons with dementia can be entered into the ...
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Rail Business UKCustom carpets keeps luggage out of train wheelchair spaces
UK: Wool from more than 30 000 sheep is being used by Axminster Carpets to produce over 20 000 m2 of floor coverings for the refurbishment of the Avanti West Coast Pendolino fleet. The two-year contract to supply carpets for the £117m refurbishment of the 56 ...
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Rail Business UKAvanti West Coast launches instant accessibility help channel
UK: Avanti West Coast has launched a WhatsApp channel providing instant access to specialist support for passengers with disabilities. Travel Companion is staffed by members of the inter-city operator’s social media team who have ‘passion and empathy for accessibility’, as well as specialist knowledge. AWC said ...
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Rail Business UKHelping people with non-visible disabilities to Travel with Confidence
UK: Information and training to help people with non-visible disabilities such as autism, anxiety or phobias use public transport is being provided by Hampshire Community Rail Partnership with the support of South Western Railway and Hampshire County Council. The first phase of the Travel with Confidence ...
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Metro Report InternationalAlstom to replace Philadelphia trolley fleet
USA: The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority board has selected Alstom Transportation to replace its entire Philadelphia trolley fleet with modern vehicles meeting current accessibility standards. The contract announced by SEPTA on February 23 will include a $714m base order for 130 trams to be delivered in ...
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Metro Report InternationalDigital wayfinding to help visually impaired passengers use tram services
ISRAEL: The 114 CAF trams that are scheduled to begin entering service in Jerusalem later this year will be equipped with technology from digital wayfinding company Step-Hear which is designed to make it easier for blind and visually impaired people to travel. The Jerusalem Transportation Masterplan ...
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Rail Business UKNational Centre for Accessible Transport launched
UK: The National Centre for Accessible Transport has been launched to undertake research into ways of ensuring that rail, road, air, sea and other modes are accessible to all. ‘It is vital that we listen to what disabled people have to say about their experiences of ...
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Metro Report InternationalAccessibility works to unlock Chicago metro station
USA: Chicago Transit Authority has approved a $75·4m contract for FH Paschen SN Nielsen & Associates to undertake a major renovation of Racine station on the metro’s Blue Line.
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Metro Report InternationalEIB supports accessibility improvements in València and Alacant
SPAIN: The European Investment Bank and the regional government of València have signed a €50m financial agreement to fund improvements on the València light rail and Alacant tram networks, both operated by FGV. The loan is the first tranche of approved financing totalling €300m, which is ...
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Rail Business UKTransport Committee to investigate accessibility obligations, enforcement and redress
UK: The House of Commons Transport Committee has launched an inquiry into transport accessibility for disabled people and those with access needs. This will examine the effectiveness and enforcement of legislation, and any gaps in it that need to be filled. The committee will also look at ...
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Rail Business UKNorthern works with supplier to highlight train-friendly scooters
UK: Northern is working with wheelchair and scooter supplier TGA Mobility to highlight those mobility scooters which can be taken on its trains. All powerchairs and wheelchairs can be taken on accessible rail services, but only smaller mobility scooters are allowed on trains. Passengers can apply ...
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Metro Report InternationalLondon Underground seeks passenger feedback on gap-bridging device
UK: Trials are underway with a bridging device designed to improve accessibility at step-free London Underground stations where there remains a small gap between the platform and train carriage. Designed to provide additional support, comfort and reassurance to passengers, the device is the same width as ...
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Metro Report InternationalLondon Underground accessibility priorities
UK: Transport for London has published the results of a consultation on public priorities for step-free access, which it will use to help understand which stations would be good candidates for future work, subject to securing funding. The consultation attracted more than 5 500 responses. Findings ...
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Metro Report InternationalHands-free facial recognition for Osaka Metro wheelchair users
JAPAN: Osaka Metro is to start verification tests of a ticket gate that has been equipped with facial recognition technology to assist wheelchair users. The equipment being installed at Nagai station on the Midosuji Line is set at the height of a person’s face when they ...
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Metro Report InternationalApp to make Hong Kong transport more inclusive
CHINA: Hong Kong’s transport operator has launched the MTR·Care app which is designed to make travel more convenient for passengers with special requirements. A ‘simplified and elderly-friendly’ trip planner includes larger text and graphics, voice input, auto-setting of frequently visited stations, easy-to-understand route suggestions and recommended ...
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Metro Report InternationalMBTA introduces online applications for reduced fare cards
USA: People with disabilities, including low vision, can now apply online rather than in person for smart cards providing free or reduced fares on Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority services around Boston. The process is available in English, Chinese, Spanish and Portuguese, and is accessible to screen ...
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Rail Business UKRail industry plans for Queen’s state funeral crowds
UK: The rail industry has activated its plans to handle the crowds expected at ceremonial events associated with the state funeral of the late Queen Elizabeth II, and is advising people to check journey details before travelling. Network Rail said transport providers have well-developed plans in ...