Train Travel Tips Every Wheelchair User Should Know
So much has changed over the last few decades to make the simple things in life easy for wheelchair users. There has been a very real struggle – and it still continues now – to make travelling and getting around accessible for everyone. Different companies and organisations are better than others, but being able to use the train network in the UK is a right everyone should have.
As per UK government guidelines, all rail companies must have an Accessible Travel Policy (ATP) which ensures that wheelchair-using customers have access to appropriate facilities and passenger assistance. To help you stay savvy when travelling, we’ve got some top tips for wheelchair users when it comes to using the rail network.
Plan Ahead And Get Assistance
This one seems like the most obvious piece of advice someone could give. You should check your train and your stations to find out what kind of measures are in place to ensure you can get around easily to make your journey. However, there is a more specific reason that we mention this, and that’s because nearly every station and rail operator have a specific assistance programme in place.
This assistance can be something as simple as helping you to get down to your platform, or it can involve helping you make bookings and arranging for you to be in a carriage with a disabled access toilet. Call ahead to book this assistance and explain your requirements and the operator should be able to set this up ready for your arrival.
Keep Your Brakes On
When you’re on the train it can be tricky getting around, but while the floors should be slip-resistant and the doors should have plenty of width to allow a wheelchair, the best tip for wheelchair users is to ensure you have your brakes on when the train is in motion. Once again, staff should be able to assist you in getting around the train when in motion, but you don’t want to leave things up to chance and bring about an injury to yourself by leaving your brakes off.
Get To Your Station Early
Try to get to your station of choice early for your journey, this makes you less likely to miss your train if you have to use lifts or have ramps in place. Staff will also be made aware of your arrival and will be better prepared to assist you with plenty of time to spare. You want to avoid getting flustered and having to rush, so make things calmer for yourself by allowing extra time.
It Pays To Be Nice
As frustrating as it can be – and you’re well within your rights to complain if your service has been unsatisfactory or if you feel you are discriminated against – it pays for you to be nice and patient with staff. Remember that they are extraordinarily busy at times and that they are not the people who are in charge of the company. You’ll find that the nicer you are to staff the more willing they will be to help, this is especially true if you frequent their station. They will actually look forward to you being the ray of sunshine in their otherwise drab day.
Collect Information For Future Travel
If you know you’ll be using particular stations and trains frequently then you should gather as much information as possible. Find out what the telephone numbers are for different stations and different sections of the station. This will aid you in making future travel plans and can help you when choosing when, where and how to travel.
You May be eligible for a Disabled Persons Railcard
If you often travel by rail or are planning to, you may benefit from a Disabled Persons Railcard. Once purchased the railcard entitles you to ⅓ off train tickets. The eligibility criteria include those who receive Personal Independence Payment and those with access to the Motability Scheme.
If you’re a keen traveller and you’d like to know which mobility aids are best suited for journeying then contact us at Ideas in Action today and we’ll be happy to assist you in finding the right equipment for your specific requirements.