Accessible train tours 'increase confidence'

Dhani Solanki from Avanti showed the group the onboard accessibility features that are available

A visually impaired woman who arranged for a group of blind and partially sighted people to have a guided tour of an empty train carriage said the visit had increased their confidence in travelling by rail.

Kelly Barton, who runs the Merseyside Sight Loss Council, arranged the visit to Avanti North West's training centre in Crewe, where the group heard about the train's safety and accessibility features and its layout.

She said passengers often have to get on trains so quickly that it is difficult for visually impaired people to fully explore their environment.

She said tours like this helped to "increase the confidence of blind and partially sighted people around travelling by train".

Kelly Barton said the session helped people gain confidence to travel by train

"We know people are really reluctant to use public transport," added Ms Barton.

"There are challenges to finding your way around a train station, to getting to the right train.

"It can leave passengers with a lot of anxiety and uncertainty."

One of those taking the tour, Naomi Ditchfield, said gaps between the platform edge and the train, finding her seat, and the general layout of trains had previously made her nervous about travelling by rail.

She said the tour had helped her discover features she did not know existed, including handrails in key locations.

Mick Spriggs said he found it awkward to board a train and find a seat with his guide dog.

Following the tour, though, he said was now more confident about finding his way around the carriages.

Another passenger taking the tour, Mark Bell, also said it had boosted his confidence.

Avanti West Coast accessibility co-ordinator Dhani Solanki said the session, which included guidance on steps, finding tactile buttons and seat reservations, was a two-way exchange.

"It is also about understanding from users exactly what barriers they are encountering and if there are any alterations we can make to make their lives easier," she said.