DR UK are increasingly concerned about rail staff reduction and redeployment plans which could according to news released by the Association of British Commuters be in breach of the Equality Act of 2010.
Some of the plans will lead to train ticket offices in England being shut down and we are clear that such a move would make rail travel for many disabled and older passengers virtually impossible particularly for those with limited or no smart phone access and for those who need support when obtaining tickets and journey information.
DR UK Rail Policy Adviser Stephen Brookes said: “Many Disabled people cannot access smartphones or live in a place with unreliable broadband and have relied on buying tickets face-to-face. What are they expected to do if everything goes online. And what additional support will be given to overcome limited-access and service provision at unmanned stations?
Stephen says “It is the ability to get wide help and information on rail journeys at ticket offices which is crucial for those who need additional support. The offices also support those who having a range of hidden, sensory, or learning disabilities are not able to use contactless, mobile smart ticket or complex station vending machines.”
In the ongoing work DR UK is undertaking with the rail industry, including our Rail Policy Adviser being part of the Great British Rail transition access panel, we will be pressing at the very least for each and every closure to have a full impact assessment, rather than for an arbitrary cost and staff reduction.
DRUK are also pressing future inclusion of the DRUK Action Plan For Rail :-
Stopping the creation of the digital divide and its overuse of APPs and Ticket Machines for accessing deals and tickets.
Halting the consequence of lack of information sources and support if ticket offices close.
Rectify the basic failure of communication between Train Companies, Network rail and Station staff to ensure Assisted Travel works throughout the journey and not just gets handed on like an informal parcel at change over points.
Challenging the total failure of the Dft, ORR RDG and Network Rail in ensuring that disruption either planned or unexpected, is fully informed to all and that passengers are kept informed throughout.
Promoting the inclusion of disabled people at design and rebuild stages of all rail vehicles and infrastructure, by insisting that in all aspects of Rail travel for Disabled People we use the historic phrase Nothing About Us Without Us!