Accessibility of rolling stock
All of our trains are equipped with features and facilities to make rail travel for disabled passengers easier. This includes facilities such as aural and visual information, seat-back hand holds, priority seating, accessible toilets, button-controlled doors, wheelchair spaces with call-for-help points etc..
View our guide for more information and detailed layouts of all our trains.
On train accessibility features explained
Getting on and off our trains
We accommodate ramps onboard every train in our fleet, so that our Conductors can use this to help you get on and off our trains. This is in addition to ramps stored on our station platforms and West Midlands Trains staff are always happy to help. If you are getting off the train at the station where your service terminates, we will attend to the needs of our customers who have booked assistance as quickly as possible. We will ensure that you wait no longer than 5 minutes to get off the train after its arrival.
Wheelchairs
All our trains have designated wheelchair accessible spaces which by law, wheelchair users take priority over everyone else in this area. Modern trains have been designed to accommodate wheelchairs which fall within the following standard dimensions:
- Width: 700mm
- Length: 1200mm
- Weight (including customer): 300kg
Mobility Scooters
Customers are welcome to travel with their mobility scooter on any of our services. We ask that where possible, you transfer to a seat onboard for your own safety. Many scooters are not designed to be transported in an assembled state inside a moving vehicle, and there is less risk of breakages or accident if you are able to transfer into a seat.
To ensure you and your scooter remain safe at our station and onboard our trains, we ask that;
- It is three-wheeled or has a triangular footprint (front wheels close together)
- Is no more than 700mm wide and 1200mm long
- Weighs no more than 300kg, including the person
- Has a maximum speed of 4mph
- Has a free-wheeling facility for use in case of power failure
- Has sealed batteries
- Can negotiate gradients of eight degrees or more
Scooters which are larger than the footprint can be carried if folded and stored as luggage. During rail replacement, bus operators may have limited space or restrictions for scooters, in such circumstances we will try and source a suitable accessible taxi noting there may be limitations on the size of scooter they can accept also. Taxis and minibuses may require you to transfer to a seat for safe travel.
There are no restrictions on mobility aids such as rollators, providing, they fit within the maximum dimensions of a wheelchair. If your journey involves travel with another train company, please familiarise yourself with their scooter policy, which may be different to ours.
On train information and assistance
All our trains have audio/visual information. Our on-train staff are also trained to make announcements via the train’s public address system. On services without automated public announcements, the conductor will make every effort to advise you of where and when the train is stopping and give other relevant journey information. We aim to give sufficient time for you, including those with mobility impairment, to respond.
Our training ensures that our staff understand the importance of making announcements during times of disruption, particularly before the departure of the train and before the arrival at the station. Announcements will also be made relating to any alterations to the normal service including delays.
Additionally, they will ensure that hearing-impaired customers of whom they have been advised are informed by alternative means. Our on-board staff will make every effort to ensure that older and disabled people are given appropriate assistance whilst on the train.
Assistance dogs
Assistance dogs are very welcome on all our trains, free of charge, and can travel in any part of the train. As our trains operate without seat reservations please ask the member of staff who assists you on-board if you need help to find a suitable space for you and your dog.
Priority seating can be found on all our trains
These seats are designed for easy access for people with mobility impairments but are also available for the use of other people who may need them including but not limited to; disabled people (remember some disabilities aren’t visible), older people, expectant mothers, someone carrying an infant.
Priority seating is clearly labelled onboard and we request that customers ask politely if they need a seat. Remember that the person using it may also have a need for it. If you feel unable to ask for one, we have priority seat cards, sunflower lanyards and I need a seat badges. Please contact us for details on how to obtain one.