Policy Statement for NIR - NIR Disabled Peoples Access Guide - Accessibility - About us - Translink
2.1
NI Railways will maintain, and improve, current standards of accessibility to its services for people with disabilities or whose mobility is impaired. We will continually strive to deliver a high standard of care to all our customers.
We will prioritise implementation of plans and policies to improve accessibility according to value for money in terms of customer service benefits to all passengers.
2.2
NI Railways will adopt the services, best practice standards and guidance which the Strategic Rail Authority set out in its Code of Practice entitled “Train and Station Services for Disabled Passengers”(2002), with regard to activities within its direct control and also take account of provisions within the Disability Discrimination Act 1995. This Policy will be reviewed in the light of updates to the Code of Practice made by the Department for Transport (DfT), and the N.I Equality Commission.
2.3
NI Railways is committed to adherence to the National Rail Good Practice Guide on “Access and Travel Arrangements for Passengers with Disabilities”. Where there is a higher standard in the Strategic Rail Authority’s Code, this will always be followed.
2.4
Various Concession Smartcards exist giving discount to various sections of disabled passengers. The Department of Regional Development for N.I (DRD)currently offer reduced price travel for the holder on all Translink services (bus and rail). On board arrangements and any necessary mobility assistance will continue to be arranged.
2.5
Each NI Railways train provides accommodation for customers whose mobility is impaired, including a wheelchair space located within a passenger saloon adjacent to an entrance door. Accessible toilets are also available on Class 3000 and Cross Border trains. On these trains at least two wheelchair spaces are provided.
2.6
NI Railways aims to provide easy access, together with excellence in customer service, for all customers. We regularly review our arrangements and service provision, and will continue to introduce improvements as quickly as is reasonably practical. We recognise that sometimes small changes, such as clear signs or clarity and audibility of announcements can make a significant improvement to the journey of all passengers, and especially those with disabilities. Major improvements in accessibility have been incorporated within our rolling stock. We have also made substantial improvements to accessibility at stations. The facilities and arrangements
currently provided for customers who are disabled are detailed in Section 3 of this document. Our plans for future improvement are outlined in Section 4.
2.7
Costs and affordability of proposed projects to enhance our trains will continue to be appraised in the normal way. Relevant appraisals will include evaluation of potential accessibility or other improvements to meet the standards recommended in the Code. Such benefits will be specifically highlighted in investment proposals and appraisals to enable further consideration to be given in the event that normal financial criteria cannot be met.
2.8
Many of our customers start or finish their journeys on other services provided by other Operators (bus/rail). NI Railways will liaise with other bus/rail operators to review, and where practical improve, interchange arrangements for all customers.
2.9
NI Railways includes equality and awareness in customer service training programmes for its staff. This includes appreciation of the widest definition of “disability” including, for example, those temporarily disabled through illness, injury or surgery, sufferers from epilepsy, ME, arthritis, or cerebral palsy and people with learning difficulties, impaired vision or speech impediments, in addition to wheelchair users. Other staff including management are also given briefings to improve disability awareness. We seek to continuously improve the quality of our training programmes through consultation with
specialist bodies.
2.10
NI Railways welcomes the comments of customers and will take these into consideration in reviewing and implementing this Policy.
2.11
NI Railways has consulted with the IMTAC (Inclusive Mobility Transport Advisory Committee) and User Groups, and undertakes to further consult with these and other national organisations representing disabled people and the DRD when proposing future material alterations to the Policy. It is a living document which will be reviewed and updated as necessary.
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