The launch of a new £20m accessibility fund by the Department for Transport (DfT) for station improvement works has been welcomed by London Northwestern Railway and West Midlands Railway.

Station improvements that could be provided from the fund included such things as paving and raised platform edges. London Northwestern and West Midlands Railways are working hard to make their networks even more accessible so that their trains make everyone feel by improving passenger access at its stations and on trains. Among the improvements is a £700m investment in new trains to increase capacity by 25%.

Both operators have also formed a partnership with the West Midlands Rail Executive and Network Rail called the West Midlands Stations Alliance, which to speed up the approach to making station improvements.

A year-long partnership with the Alzheimer’s Society began last month in which West Midlands and London Northwestern Railways pledged to make their stations and trains more dementia friendly. As well as this partnership, both railways have:

• Initiated a dedicated Stakeholder Equality Group to discuss improvements;
• Developed a bespoke disability training package for front-line staff;
• Worked with Network Rail on accessibility projects at a number of stations including Lichfield Trent Valley, Tring, Stechford, Smethwick Rolfe Street, and Worcester Shrub Hill;
• Carried out accessibility assessments at each station in their network;
• Supported the creation of a ‘Calm Corner’ for passengers at Crewe station.

Further information about Accessible Travel, including information on booking assistance at the station or help purchasing tickets, can be found at https://www.londonnorthwesternrailway.co.uk/travel-information/accessible-travel for London Northwestern Railway and at https://www.westmidlandsrailway.co.uk/travel-information/accessible-travel for West Midlands Railway.

Jon Harris, integration and accessibility manager for West Midlands Railway and London Northwestern Railway said: “The message is clear – there should be no barriers preventing passengers using our services.

“We are committed to doing everything we can to improve the user experience for all our passengers, including those with additional needs. We are continuing to make significant investments and work with partners across the industry, including DfT, to make sure the railway is open for all.”