East Midlands Railway launches new BSL service for deaf passengers

The new service will be accessed via an app

A train operator in the East Midlands has launched a new British Sign Language (BSL) service for deaf passengers.

East Midlands Railway (EMR) said the service would help deaf customers communicate with staff about their journey.

It gives customers access to an interpreter via an app or link.

The interpreter will then be able to relay messages between passengers and EMR staff via a video call.

The new service, operated by InterpretersLive, will help deaf customers find out information about any part of their journey, including disruption and queries at ticket offices, EMR said.

Georgie Hill-Jones, a deaf customer that uses EMR services, said the service would "make such a difference".

She added: "It is fantastic to see the rollout of this project.

"Being able to access in the moment in their first or preferred language of BSL is going to be life-changing for deaf passengers and allow them a greater parity of experience in getting from A to B, which is something we should all be able to do with ease."

Dave Meredith, customer services director at EMR, said: "We want to make our network as inclusive and as accessible as possible.

"This new interpreter service will help our staff provide deaf customers with a better service especially during times of disruption or when they require extra support to make their journey."

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