Wheelchair spaces on trains

21 August 2014

The type of spaces for wheelchairs varies between train types.

On new or refurbished trains, the wheelchair space is close to the accessible toilet, where provided, and may have a table and usually a call-for-help button next to it. Some older trains may lack the table and help button, but will provide a dedicated space, usually just inside the passenger seating area. A few newer trains accommodate wheelchairs in a separate part of the train but in dedicated spaces. If a backrest for the wheelchair is provided you should ensure that your wheelchair is correctly positioned against it and that its brakes are applied.

You cannot generally take onto trains a wheelchair that is wider than 70cm, longer than 120cm or which weighs more than 300kg when you are in it.

Some wheelchair spaces may have tip-up seats in them that other passengers can use if the wheelchair space is not occupied. They must give up these seats to enable the wheelchair to fit properly into the space.

For some journeys, it is possible to reserve a wheelchair space. Some companies do not reserve any accommodation on some or all of their trains and on those services, which are usually frequent, wheelchairs are carried on first-come first-served basis.

Fuller details are shown in each company’s Accessible Travel Policy. If you cannot find the information you need, contact the train company.

A wheelchair will generally not be carried if the designated wheelchair space is occupied. It is potentially dangerous to you and to other passengers and staff if the wheelchair is left in areas of the train (for instance in the doorway vestibules) which are not intended for them.