Arriva Trains Wales has introduced an audio guide that has been designed to assist customers with sight loss.
The bilingual guides are available to download from the train operating companies desktop website as a series of mp3 files.
They provide passengers with information about what assistance can be provided at each stations, as well as what facilities are available at stations.
The guides can also be listened to on ATW’s mobile internet platform.
What did the officials say?
Speaking at the launch, ATW’s Community Relations Manager Geraint Morgan, said;
“We’ve produced the guide in order to raise awareness of our ‘Passenger Assist’ service, which is available to any customer wishing to arrange assistance for their journey by train. It is one of a number of measures that we have introduced to enhance the delivery of assisted travel across our network.”
Andrea Gordon, Engagement Manager for Guide Dogs Cymru, said:
“Arriva has set the bar high with this audio guide, and we wish all transport operators in Wales would follow their lead. The quality of the audio is excellent, and the concept shows real consideration for blind and partially sighted travellers.”
Ansley Workman, Director of RNIB Cymru, said:
“Whether it is getting to work, visiting family or simply getting out and about, accessible public transport is vital for the wellbeing of blind and partially sighted people. But, people with sight loss tell us that they go out less often than they would like or avoid using public transport altogether because of the high levels of stress and inconvenience they can experience. RNIB’s own research in 2017 showed us that shockingly 8 in 10 blind and partially sighted people reported they could not travel whenever or wherever they like.
“This is a resource that we hope will empower blind and partially sighted people to feel much more confident about travelling by train in Wales. We would like to see all public transport providers in Wales taking similar steps to make their services work better for blind and partially sighted people.”
Where Next?
News Homepage
For the Latest Railway News
RailAdvent Online Shop
Framed Prints, DVD’s / Blu-Ray’s and more
LocoStop – The RailAdvent Community
Come and share your railway pictures
Arriva Trains Wales
Visit their website
Responses
But Transport for Wales will be taking over from the 14th October as Arriva have lost the bid to retain the Welsh rail franchise and the new franchise will be taken over by KeliosAmey Wales. With new trains to be ordered and built and new & existing services right across Wales.