Rail accessibility and inclusion news – Page 6
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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 ...
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Rail Business UKPutting accessibility at the core of rail reform
UK: The Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee has welcomed some proposed changes and makes a number of suggestions to improve accessibility strategy in its response to the government’s consultation on legislation to implement the Williams-Shapps Plan for Rail Reform. DPTAC acts as a statutory advisory body ...
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Rail Business UKStation navigation app for visually impaired passengers on test
UK: South Western Railway is trialling the myEyes app, which provides audio directions to help guide people with sight loss from a station entrance to assisted boarding points on platforms where they can get help to board the train. The myEyes app was developed by iKi ...
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Rail Business UKRail staff trained to intervene with vulnerable passengers
UK: The Railway Children charity is training Northern’s conductors, customer service and station staff to spot vulnerable people on the railway and to have the confidence to intervene with help. The work focuses on identifying individuals at risk of to abuse, addiction and intimidation, and helping ...
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Metro Report InternationalAll Stations Accessibility Programme launched
USA: The Federal Transit Administration has announced the All Stations Accessibility Programme, which will provide $1·75bn of grants to improve access to rail transport for people with limited mobility.
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Metro Report InternationalTactile paving now at all Tyne & Wear Metro stations
UK: Tyne & Wear Metro has installed tactile paving at a further 12 stations, meaning all 60 of its stations now have a visual and physical alert to the presence of the platform edges.
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NewsWheelchair lift enhances ICE accessibility
GERMANY: Palfinger has developed a novel design of wheelchair lift for use on DB Fernverkehr’s next fleet of ICE high speed trainsets. The Trainlift TRV 2 SLIM is deployed at a 920 mm wide accessible entry point for use by passengers with reduced mobility. The TSI ...
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Rail Business UKPersonalised announcements support passengers with hearing loss
UK: Transport for Wales has tested Hearing Enhanced Audio Relay, which provides personalised announcements for passengers with hearing loss by using on-train wi-fi to send audible and readable journey announcements to smart devices.
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Metro Report InternationalDisability consultancy undertakes Lyon accessibility audit
FRANCE: Accessibility consultancy Direct Access has expanded its rail work into France through a pilot project with Keolis to audit rail, metro, tram and bus interchanges in Lyon. The consultancy is assessing entrances, wayfinding and arrival and boarding points, and will submit detailed recommendations for improvements ...
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Rail Business UKAssisted travel booking time shortened but accessibility works have some way to go
UK: The time to required to book Passenger Assist services such as help with navigating a station or boarding a train has been reduced from 6 h to a minimum standard of 2 h ahead of travel. However, campaigners have expressed concern at the slow pace ...