Age Concern Richmond is the latest community group to benefit from South Western Railway‘s free ‘Try the Train’ days.

Introduced in 2018, these events are designed to reassure and educate people who have not travelled by train before, or who have limited experience on the railway, to ensure it is an accessible mode of transport that everyone feels comfortable using the railway. Older people’s groups have previously enjoyed ‘Try the Train’ days.

Groups are shown around a station, walked through the process of purchasing a ticket and finding the right platform before taking a train trip. The Age Concern Richmond group travelled from Whitton to Richmond and back.

Whitton station staff greeted ten Age Concern members, some of whom had not been on a train for a considerable time.

Community Rail Officer Lucy Lomax explained the whole travel experience to them, from buying a ticket and finding the right platform, to boarding a train and knowing when they have reached their destination.

The group was also shown how to find help at the station, including through help points, information screens, and the Assisted Boarding Point where anyone who needs assistance boarding the train can request help with ten minutes notice.

The group was impressed by the guidance offered through the help button on the platform and the support of the guard and station staff. They also learned that the flashing orange light on the side of the train indicates where the guard is located.

The group then boarded a train to Richmond, accompanied by the Community Ambassador, who told the travellers more about the support SWR can offer on the train. On arrival, they were impressed at the ease of using the information Totem for their onward journey and finding out more about the local area.

While in Richmond, they visited The Poppy Factory before returning to Whitton. SWR reports that members of the party were impressed by the facilities and help offered, and commented that the day had boosted their confidence for trying trips of their own.

SWR would like to hear from other community groups who think a ‘Try the Train’ day could benefit them. For more information, including a video on the Try the Train days, please visit SWR’s dedicated Try the Train page.

Paula Aldridge, Community Rail Manager at South Western Railway, said: “We are always looking for ways to improve access to railway travel and hope more community groups on our network see the benefits of a ‘Try the Train’ event. It is a perfect opportunity for people to familiarise themselves with the experience of rail travel, knowing that we are with them every step of the way.”