Train companies miss accessibility deadline

19 December 2019

Commenting on the rail industry failure to meet the deadline to provide accessible trains by the end of the year, Transport Focus chief executive Anthony Smith, said:

“It is almost 2020 – no one should struggle to get on a train or find an accessible toilet. Passengers will be astounded to learn that the rail industry has not met this deadline when it has had a decade to prepare for these changes.

“This exemption for Pacers must be time-limited pending the introduction of new trains and subject to train companies demonstrating how they will mitigate some of the impacts on passengers.

“It’s imperative that operators also use this one-month extension on replacement bus services and the breathing space it provides to come up with a clear plan of action that offers longer-term certainty and security to all passengers.”