Campaigners’ bid to halt cut in train loos hits the buffers
TRANSPORT for Wales has dismissed pleas for no reduction in the number of train toilets when new rolling stock is introduced, despite predictions that Covid-19 has permanently altered travel patterns.
There are also concerns that having one toilet in each two-coach train, instead of the current two, could discriminate against people who are elderly or have hidden disabilities.
TfW has confirmed it did not conduct an Equality Impact Assessment (EIA) on the new trains because the rolling stock is covered by regulations for Persons with Reduced Mobility.
Being able to get a seat on the train was a high priority for passengers when TfW procured the Wales and Borders franchise back in 2017-18, and a second toilet would reduce space for seats. However, experts now predict fewer rail commuters in the “new normal” because so many people have switched to working from home.
This would reduce the pressure on seating capacity in the morning and evening peaks in Cardiff and other cities which the new trains will serve, but
TfW has ruled out a rethink on toilets.
A TfW spokesman said: “In designing our new trains, we have worked hard to find the best possible balance between seating capacity and the number of Universal Access Toilets on each train.
“There will be one toilet in each two-car Class 197 train, which is in line with the level of toilet provision on new train fleets being delivered to other UK operators. When they enter service, these will often run with a second two-car train on long-distance services to provide four carriages, including on the Cambrian line.”
Jeff Smith, chair of the ShrewsburyAberystwyth Rail Passengers Association, said: “After raising concerns – over and over again – over the plan to halve toilet provision, we very much regret that TfW have not altered their plans in the interests of passengers.
“Many passengers on the Cambrian [Shrewsbury-Aberystwyth/Pwllheli lines] travel for over three hours and they require sufficient toilet facilities – at least one accessible toilet and one other smaller one in a two-car unit.”
Heléna Herklots, Older People’s Commissioner for Wales, said: “For many older people throughout Wales, a lack of access to toilets can reduce their independence and prevent them doing the things that matter to them, which can negatively impact on their physical and mental health in a number of ways.
“Sufficient toilet provision is therefore crucial to ensure that older people feel confident to get out and about.”
Since passenger group Railfuture highlighted the issue in May, several people have told it of their concerns.
One Cambrian passenger wrote that his irritable bowel syndrome was often heightened when using public transport: “I think it is absolutely awful to have only one toilet, and fully support your call for them to include another WC to keep the same ratios as the current service.”
TfW said the Office of Rail and Road did not require a specific EIA for new trains.
“Further equalities assessment was undertaken as part of the broader consultation and policy priorities,” it said.
The new trains are due into service from 2022 on routes including Milford Haven to Manchester via Cardiff, Holyhead to Cardiff, and Birmingham to Aberystwyth and Pwllheli.
TfW says the two-coach trains will often run in pairs, with two toilets in total, but Railfuture says that would not improve the ratio of seats to toilets.