DISABLED ACCESS
102. Mr Chris Austin from the Strategic Rail Authority
told us that the SRA had produced a code of practice and that
train operators had to provide a Disabled Persons' Protection
Policy (DPPP). In drawing up that policy and code of practice
the train operators would consult disabled groups within their
areas about specific access issues which they can reflect in their
DPPP. There are also two legislative requirements. The Rail Vehicle
Accessibility Regulations require all new rolling stock to have
to comply with quite prescriptive specifications on matters such
as the design of handrails and the design and colour co-ordination
of doors, the lettering on train information systems and the pressure
required for door-open buttons. Mr Austin also explained that
legislation in respect of the Access to Stations would come into
force in 2004.[154]
103. Mr Cameron acknowledged that Arriva held the
responsibility for disabled access to its stations and trains,
and was working with the SRA and other franchisees for further
improvements to access.[155]
He further argued that Arriva would be introducing dedicated telephone
helplines for travellers but conceded that with a "Victorian
network" it was not possible to make the network fully accessible
to disabled people.[156]
104. Where possible, Arriva hoped to ensure that
train connections at its stations would have appropriate facilities
for disabled travellers, for example lifts and bridges between
platforms. However he argued that "where there is no lift
facility provided, we feel is that it is better to get connectivity
even in those circumstances than no connectivity at all".[157]
105. Our inquiry touched lightly on disabled access
to rail services. However, this issue is also being considered
by the House of Commons Transport Committee,[158]
and the Joint Committee on the Draft Disability Discrimination
Bill.[159]
106. We welcome the commitment to improving disabled
access to stations and the legislation that underwrites that commitment.
However, we are concerned that funding constraints may not deliver
the necessary improvements in good time. We recommend that the
SRA, in conjunction with Network Rail and the Train Operators
undertake an audit of all stations in Wales, including lift access
for disabled passengers, to assess what work is necessary for
stations to comply with the legislation covering disabled access.
INFORMATION AT STATIONS
107. Mr Cameron told us that the provision of information
at stations was an important aspect of Arriva's policy for rail
services. He explained that in its other franchises, Arriva had
introduced maps at stations that showed local facilities, the
location of bus stations and provided numbers for taxi companies.
[160] Similar
information was planned for the Wales and Borders franchise. Mr
Cameron acknowledged that "If you cannot get the basic information,
then you cannot expect people to travel".[161]
It was Arriva's intention
to provide such information
though Project Inform, a scheme run by the existing train operating
companies in Wales. That scheme would ensure that, when customers
arrived at stations, then they would also receive information
about the train they wished to take, how that train was operating
and destination and stops along that line.[162]
108. We welcome Arriva's acknowledgement of the
importance of clear signage and information for passengers. We
will monitor closely Arriva's proposals to improve information
for passengers at Stations within the Wales and Borders franchise.
95 Second Report from the Welsh Affairs Committee,
Transport in Wales, Session 2002-03, HC205 para 40. Back
96
Ev 37 Back
97
Second Report from the Welsh Affairs Committee, Transport in
Wales, Session 2002-03, HC205 para 42. Back
98
Q475 Back
99
Q393 Back
100
www.dft.gov.uk/stellent/groups/dft_railways/documents/pdf/dft_railways_pdf_504370.pdf. Back
101
S206(3) and 207(5) Back
102
www.dft.gov.uk/stellent/groups/dft_railways/documents/pdf/dft_railways_pdf_504370.pdf. Back
103
www.dft.gov.uk/stellent/groups/dft_railways/documents/pdf/dft_railways_pdf_504370.pdf. Back
104
http://www.dft.gov.uk/stellent/groups/dft_railways/documents/pdf/dft_railways_pdf_504370.pdf. Back
105
Q78 Back
106
Ev 37 Back
107
Ev 38 Back
108
Q82 Back
109
Q82 Back
110
Q87 Back
111
Q243 Back
112
Q87 Back
113
Q 381, 382 Back
114
Q382 Back
115
see para 65. Back
116
Ev 124 Back
117
Ev 130 Back
118
Transporting Visions in Agenda, Summer 2002, Institute
of Welsh Affairs, Cardiff Back
119
Second Report from the Welsh Affairs Committee, Transport in
Wales, Session 2002-03, HC205 para 45 Back
120
http://www.wales.gov.uk/subitransport/content/railservices/franchisebiddersguide_e.htm. Back
121
www.wales.gov.uk Back
122
Rail Passengers Committee Cymru Wales - Service Aspirations for
the Wales and Borders franchise 2001 Back
123
We consider the expansion of the Cardiff Commuter lines at paras
86 to 90. Back
124
Ev 130 Back
125
Ev 35, Q250 Back
126
Q250 Back
127
Q250 Back
128
Q250 Back
129
Q264 Back
130
Q293 Back
131
Q293 Back
132
See paragraphs 19 to 35. Back
133
Ev90 and Q466 Back
134
Ev 119 Back
135
Q449 Back
136
Q449 Back
137
Q253, Q263 Back
138
Ev 37 Back
139
Q280 Back
140
Evidence to the Economic Development and Transport Committee,
National Assembly for Wales, 19 November 2003, www.wales.gov.uk/keypubassemecondevtran/index.htm. Back
141
www.wales.gov.uk/keypubassemecondevtran/index.htm Back
142
Q267 Back
143
Q60 Back
144
QQ61-2 Back
145
Q271 Back
146
Q270 Back
147
Q270 Back
148
Q469 Back
149
Q469 Back
150
Second Report from the Welsh Affairs Committee, Transport in Wales,
Session 2002-03, HC 205, para 14. Back
151
Q273 Back
152
Second Report from the Welsh Affairs Committee, Transport in Wales,
Session 2002-03, HC 205, paras 70-73. Back
153
Ev 53 Back
154
The Disability and Discrimination Act 1995, Q86 Back
155
Q261 Back
156
Q289 Back
157
Q289 Back
158
www.parliament.uk/parliamentary_committees/transport_committee.cfm Back
159
www.parliament.uk/parliamentary_committees/dddb.cfm Back
160
Q292 Back
161
Q273 Back
162
Q270 Back