Written question WQ99903
- Asked by
- Niamh SalkeldPlaid
- To be answered by
- Cabinet Minister for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy
- Tabled
- Due
- Answered
- Time to answer
- 7 days
Question
How is the Welsh Government working with transport providers to ensure that disabled people are able to gain dependable access to train services without restriction or delays?
Answer
Answered by Deputy Minister for Transport (Mark Hooper)
The Welsh Government works with Transport for Wales to improve the accessibility and reliability of rail services for disabled people through the Travel for All strategy, including improving station accessibility, reducing barriers to travel, strengthening staff training and involving disabled people in service design through the Inclusive Travel Board and Disabled People’s Travel Panel. We have commissioned research to support the ongoing delivery and improvement of Travel for All commitments.
Transport for Wales are increasing the accessibility of its rail services new trains in the South East Metro area facilitating automatic level boarding, removing the need for a ramp to be deployed when boarding in a wheelchair. Transport for Wales are also currently progressing through a programme of station enhancements on the Core Valley Lines to ensure level boarding.
Transport for Wales’s Passenger Assist service can be booked in advance or arranged by speaking to a station colleague at a staffed station on the day. They can also coordinate with other train operating companies to arrange for support even when changing trains to a service run by a different operator.