Train companies praised at new accessibility forum(ATOC) 9th November 2012

In the last 10 years the number of journeys made using the Disabled Persons Railcard has increased by 165% to nearly 4,000,000, which shows that improving accessibility is helping more and more people to travel by train.
Even though record numbers of disabled passengers are choosing rail, the industry is not complacent and remains fully committed to helping more disabled people to take the train.
Campaigners and passengers joined with MPs and senior rail industry figures in Parliament on Monday for the first National Rail Accessibility Group, set up by the Association of Train Operating Companies.
The forum was set up with cross-party support to facilitate discussions on accessibility improvements, policy and legislation affecting access to the railways, in a move designed to share best practice and keep improving the service offered to disabled passengers.
In a message to the group Transport Minister Norman Baker praised train companies and London Underground for their performance during this summer’s Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Norman Baker said: “Following this excellent result we need to consider what lessons can be learned for the everyday running of the network as we welcome ever increasing numbers of passengers including those with disabilities.
“I see this new group as a welcome means of exchanging experience, ideas and best practice between rail users and providers and wish it much success.”
ATOC’s Head of Disability and Inclusion, David Sindall, outlined the latest improvements to rail access including the successful introduction of the Passengers Assist booking system ahead of the Olympic and Paralympic Games – which has handled more than 830,000 bookings since January.
Michael Roberts, Chief Executive at ATOC, said: “A great deal of work has gone into improving access to the country’s rail network for disabled passengers but we know that there is a long way to go. That’s why we are playing a leading role in bringing passengers, campaigners and the industry together to help improve access to rail for disabled people.”
Julian Huppert MP for Cambridge, who chaired the event, said: "It is only when you see our transport system through the eyes of a disabled person that you realise the challenges they face accomplishing tasks that we take for granted.

“I hope the launch of the National Rail Accessibility Group will mark a turning point in the way disabled people are treated across our transport network and transport operators, our government and local authorities will all play their part in bringing about positive change.”

Notes:
Over 140,000 people travel on the rail network using the Disabled Persons Railcard, in the last year holders made nearly 3,998,686 journeys. In 2001/02, ATOC figures show that 1,506,704 journeys were made using the card, representing an increase of 165%. For more information on the Disabled Persons Railcard, click here.
In the period between 8 January and 13 October more than 830,000 assists were completed through the new Passenger Assist booking system, which represented 250,000 passenger journeys. For more information on Passenger Assist, click here.

Other speakers at the Portcullis House event included:
 Liz Sayce, Disability Rights UK
 David Mapp, Commercial Director at ATOC
 Kirsty Monk, Accessibility Manager at Southern Railway