The design of Greater Anglia’s new trains (set to replace all current trains by 2020) include new facilities for disabled passengers, including a retractable step between the floor and platform and floor-level help buttons in toilets.

The changes come after complaints were made by disabled passengers on various train services this summer. Norwich-based comedian Tanyalee Davis was asked to move her mobility scooter out of a wheelchair space for a pram to be parked there. In a video uploaded to YouTube, she said she was being “kicked off” the train at the next station because she refused. Speaking to The Independent in August, 29-year-old Hollie Brooks said she “felt like a second-class citizen” when the wheelchair space she booked was blocked by a catering trolley, meaning her boyfriend couldn’t sit with her and she had to face the window for the duration of the journey.

In their September newsletter, Greater Anglia said they were making their new trains “suitable for all”, consulting a group of disabled rail passengers and professionals whilst the trains were being developed. The group consisted of wheelchair user Dominic Lund-Conlon, blind and visually impaired Terri Sawkins, Jim Watt and his guide dog Legend, and Helen Sismore from East Anglia Guide Dogs. After making initial recommendations last year, they visited Switzerland this summer where 58 of the 169 new trains are being manufactured by Stadler. They recommended further adjustments such as ‘modesty screen’ between raised seating areas and the disabled seating section of the trains.

As a result, Greater Anglia’s website says the new trains will include emergency help buttons at floor level in each accessible toilet, a retractable step between the train and platform, and an accessible seating area where passengers have the option to face forwards or backwards.

The other services the company currently offer for disabled passengers include help to buy your ticket, getting on and off the train, booking assistance for the length of your journey, being met by staff when getting off the train and help with carrying luggage.

Further details of Greater Anglia’s services and their Disabled Persons Policy can be found here: https://www.greateranglia.co.uk/travel-information/accessibility/disabled-peoples-protection-policy.

Frances Butler