Baroness says she is ‘done with being patient’ over train access
PARALYMPIAN Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson has said she is “done with being patient” after rail companies applied to use train carriages that will fail to meet accessibility standards coming into force next year.
The 50-year-old from Heath, Cardiff, who takes about 160 rail journeys each year, said travelling by train is “still really difficult” for disabled people.
She added that wheelchair users are often unable to get on or off trains because members of staff trained to use ramps are not in position despite assistance being booked.
Her comments come after rail companies including Transport for Wales (TfW) applied to continue using Pacer trains next year, despite a pledge to remove them by the end of 2019.
Legislation on the accessibility of mainline trains dates back to 1998, with the Disability Discrimination Act 2005 saying all trains must be accessible by January 1, 2020.
The Department for Transport (DfT) said around 800 of Britain’s 14,000 passenger train carriages do not comply with the incoming rules.
The latest standards include features such as: audio-visual information systems; easy to use handholds and handrails; and an accessible toilet, if toilets are fitted.
Baroness Grey-Thompson, one of the UK’s most successful disabled athletes, said: “They needed to start doing this 20 years ago. I do understand that a train carriage is expensive, and you have to get the maximum amount of life out of it. But there’s also a lot that could be done to make the service more accessible.
“I’m just a bit bored of being told I need to be patient. I’m done with being patient. Let’s see some action.”
Speaking earlier this week, rail minister Chris Heaton-Harris said he was “really cross” about the prospect of the January 1 deadline being missed.
At least eight rail companies are seeking permission from the DfT to continue running non-compliant trains from January 1.
It they fail to reach an agreement then trains will be taken out of use, resulting in services being cancelled.
Northern and Transport for Wales (TfW) want to continue using Pacer trains next year, despite a previous pledge.