The Accessibility Advisory Panel (AAP) of the East West Railway Company has outlined crucial accessibility requirements for the new rail line. These requirements, identified during their year-long tenure, encompass essential elements for trains, stations, and digital services. The panel’s insights stem from collaborative efforts with disabled individuals, ensuring that their perspectives shape the design and implementation of EWR from its inception. By addressing accessibility concerns at the outset, the AAP aims to establish EWR as an exemplary model of inclusive rail design.
Joe O’Dwyer, a Cambourne resident, shared his experience as a wheelchair user, emphasizing the stark contrast between past inaccessibility and the promising outlook for EWR. Gary Dormer from Halton, Buckinghamshire, highlighted the challenges faced by the visually impaired, particularly in navigating glass doors and other architectural barriers. Stephen Liney from Wellingborough emphasized the transformative impact of considering accessibility from the design stage, paving the way for a more inclusive society.
Mary Doyle, Accessibility Advisory Panel Co-Chair, stressed the significance of direct engagement with disabled individuals to glean valuable insights. Georgina Taylor, Head of Customer Service Delivery at EWR Co, affirmed their commitment to creating a railway that caters to diverse needs, including physical, mobility, mental well-being, and neurodiversity. The AAP’s priority list serves as a roadmap for understanding and overcoming barriers to travel, setting a new standard for inclusive rail design.
