For the next two years we will be ramping up our work to help disabled people, who lack confidence to travel on public transport, thanks to being part of a funded programme in partnership with Community Rail Network.

The programme has been developed in light of evidence showing the proportion of disabled people facing barriers using rail, and how these can be reduced. Research by Scope shows 54% of disabled people often or always feel anxious using public transport, and 30% say difficulties with public transport reduce their mobility. Experience in community rail demonstrates the benefits that can be unlocked through empowering disabled people through meaningful engagement and change to break down barriers, opening up rail and connected sustainable modes of travel.

Coinciding with the national Railway 200 celebrations we have got started this year. We will be working with local inclusion and disability partners and aim to engage 350 low-confident disabled rail passengers with diverse needs and lived experiences. Working together and ensuring that disabled people’s expertise by experience is at the forefront the project will share insights with railway partners and decision-makers at local and national level to help shape a more inclusive railway, especially through the process of rail reform.

Community Rail Network are coordinating the programme and will be gathering evidence and insights to share with its wider membership of 75 community rail partnerships and 325 station groups. There will also be small grants and advice to help more community rail members to set up similar initiatives in their local areas, aiming to empower hundreds more people, and build a lasting legacy.

Katie Douglas, accessibility & inclusion officer at Community Rail Lancashire, said: “Travelling with confidence on our rail network can be a game changer. It opens up opportunities to visit family and friends, take up work and learning opportunities, explore new places and get to those all-important appointments. Community Rail Lancashire is thrilled to be working alongside other CRPs to support disabled people with low confidence in rail travel to develop new skills, grow and access all that rail has to offer.”