Trains and trams
The regulations
Trains, light railways and trams come under the Rail Vehicle Accessibility Regulations (RVAR) 1998 and the Rail Vehicle Accessibility (Amendment) Regulations 2000. From July 2008 European regulations (Rail Vehicle Accessibility (Interoperable Rail System) Regulations) come into force. Standards are broadly similar, but will mean that (eventually) all European trains will be equally accessible.
When from?
New trains have had to meet these UK regulations since 1999. Train companies can apply for exemption, but they have to have very good reasons for doing so.
All trains are now accessible, and over 40 per cent are now compliant. Older trains have been made more accessible when they've been refurbished. All rail vehicles will be compliant by 2020. Also see information on stations below.
New trains and trams
What you can expect
Wheelchair spaces
There should be at least two on every train which has more than one carriage; more on longer trains - for example trains with up to 12 or more carriages must have up to 4 spaces.
Trains with one carriage will have seats that fold to make space for a wheelchair. Wheelchair users have priority on these trains.
Information
The destination is shown on the inside and outside of the train. This is also announced inside the train, as is the next stop.
Doors
Floors on trams and rapid transit systems are level with the platform. Other trains have ramps or some other boarding device. Most are portable and fitted by station staff. This will be arranged when you book your journey - please try to give at least 24 hours notice - more on booking.
Doors which are large enough for wheelchair users are marked by this symbol:
They are generally powered with controls that need only a light touch. An audible signal and a light will tell you when the door can be opened or is about to close. Controls are easy to see and reach from a wheelchair.
Inside
The passage from the door to the wheelchair area will be wide enough for the reference wheelchair - usually at least 850mm wide. There is space to turn. Internal doors are automatic or will only need a light touch. Handrails and handholds are in easy-to-see contrasting colours.
The wheelchair area is at least 1300mm long by 750mm wide.
There is a backrest to park against or some other way of making sure that the chair does not tip. There will be some way of attracting attention in an emergency.
Toilets
If there is an accessible toilet, it will be next to the wheelchair space.
Catering
You will be served at your seat if you can't get to the buffet or restaurant.
Substitute transport
Replacement transport will be accessible unless it had to be provided at short notice. If so, the train company may provide an accessible taxi at no extra cost to you.
Travelling on
Station staff should be able to give you information about accessible connecting services.
Stations
Most city terminals and larger stations are accessible. For others get in touch with the local train operator for details of access arrangements. You may not be able to use the one nearest you, or you may need help once there. National Rail Enquiries have more details. See Putting it to the test.
Accessible Services
These light railway, tram and metro systems have level access.
- Birmingham Midland Metro
- Croydon Tramlink
- Docklands Light Railway
- Manchester Metrolink
- Midland Metro
- Nottingham Express Transport
- Sheffield Super Tram
- Tyne and Wear Metro
Merseyrail Underground is accessible, but only by ramp. These can be booked in advance or you can just turn up at the station. Five Merseyrail Underground stations are difficult for wheelchairs.
Pre-RVAR trains
What you can expect
Many trains now have wide exterior doors and automatic interior doors. They have ramps on board or on the platform. Some have accessible toilets, but space may be tight. Some trains do not have toilets.
Suburban and short distance regional trains usually have sliding doors and most have at least one wheelchair space in the passenger saloon.
There are some slam door trains in operation, but the doors are wide enough to be accessible. You have to use a ramp.
Check details of individual services with the train operating company.
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