Wheels within wheels - a guide to using a wheelchair on public transport 2005 (view report contents)
Trains and trams
The regulations
Trains, light railways and trams come under the Rail Vehicle Accessibility Regulations 1998 and the Rail Vehicle Accessibility (Amendment) Regulations 2000.
When from?
New trains have had to meet these regulations since 1999. Train companies
can apply for exemption, but they have to have very good reasons for doing
so. Exemptions may only be granted for a very short time.
All trains should be accessible, and already a third are compliant. The
government has proposed that all should be compliant by 2020.
Also see information on stations below.
New trains and trams - What you can EXPECT
Wheelchair spaces
There is at least one on every train; more on longer trains – for example trains with 12 or more carriages must have up to 4 spaces.
Information
The destination is shown on the inside and outside of the train, and is also announced.
Doors
Floors on trams and rapid transit systems are level with the platform. Other trains have boarding devices, most often ramps. Most are portable and provided by station staff. This will be arranged when you book your journey.
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 is 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. If the carriage has a telephone, it will be reachable
from a wheelchair. If it isn’t, a mobile phone will be lent to you,
if you ask.
Toilets
The nearest toilet to the wheelchair space will be accessible.
Catering
You will be served at your seat if you can’t get to the buffet
or restaurant.
Substitute transport.
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
City terminals and larger stations are all 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 aim to be able to provide information on the accessibility of all stations in future.
Newer light railway, tram and metro systems
New light railway, trams and metros are fully accessible:
- Birmingham Midland Metro
- Croydon Tramlink
- Docklands Light Railway
- Manchester Metrolink
- Merseyrail Underground (although some stations are difficult for wheelchairs)
- Midland Metro
- Nottingham Express Transport
- Sheffield Super Tram
- Tyne and Wear Metro
Pre-DDA trains - what you can expect
Mark I trains with slam doors will all be replaced by the end of 2005.
Almost all mainline InterCity, suburban and cross-country trains, trams
and light rapid transit systems have wheelchair spaces.
Many 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.
Suburban and short distance regional trains usually have sliding doors
and wheelchair spaces in the vestibule.
Check details of individual services with the train operating company.
Report Contents
Introduction
The law
Travelling
in a wheelchair
Trains and trams
Buses
Coaches
Taxis
Planning & booking a journey
Concessions
Reporting back & complaining
Information, help and advice
Details
of manual wheelchairs
Details
of manual wheelchairs - to be pushed by someone else
Details
of powered wheelchairs
