Station improves accessibility with virtual tours

Passengers moving through Witham railway station can now access a virtual tour

A train operator has sought to improve the accessibility of a railway station by giving people the opportunity to take an online virtual tour of the site before travelling.

Passengers moving through Witham railway station in Witham, Essex, can now access a virtual tour to locate the loos, ticket machines, platforms, bus stop and taxi rank ahead of visiting the station.

The initiative was launched by Greater Anglia on Wednesday, and a spokesperson said it aimed to support people to travel with confidence.

They added the online tour could help passengers ascertain "whether the station would create any accessibility barriers".

Greater Anglia said the tour is aimed at helping reduce anxiety for people

The campaign has been aimed at reducing anxiety for travellers and help anyone who would want to check accessible routes throughout the station.

Rebecca Richardson, Greater Anglia’s accessibility and inclusion manager, said: “The idea was to create a tool for customers to assist them with their journey planning and reduce the anxiety about whether the station would create any accessibility barriers, so that they can travel with confidence."

A spokesperson added that the 360-degree virtual tours were also available at 18 other stations including Chelmsford, Colchester, Manningtree, Southend Victoria, Shenfield, Stansted Airport and London Liverpool Street.