NEW maps have been put in at major rail stations to help blind and partially-sighted passengers.
Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR), which operates Southern services in Sussex, has spent £700,000 on improvements to boost accessibility at stations.
It includes three new “tactile” maps which have been unveiled at Brighton, Three Bridges and Haywards Heath.
The maps were produced in partnership with the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) and include raised letters, symbols and braille.
It is part of a scheme at 33 stations to make access better, and includes Brighton, Crawley, Three Bridges, Worthing, Goring, Shoreham, and Haywards Heath stations.
GTR wants the maps to help make stations and services more accessible for blind passengers and those with sight difficulties.
Brighton gateline supervisor Adrian Davis and the new tactile map
It includes work to refurbish stations with bright white and yellow strips to help partially sighted people see the edge of stairs and know when they are at the top of bottom.
Loudspeaker announcements will improve and platforms will have new information displays and help points.
Manufactured by the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB), the raised lines and symbols mean the maps can be used by blind and partially sighted passengers. There are also braille translations of printed information.
Haywards Heath - staff member Sam Huggett next to tactile map on level 2 of car park
Michelle Lee, RNIB accessible maps, images and signage consultant, said: “We have campaigned over a number of years to make rail travel more accessible for blind and partially sighted people.
“A fundamental part of this work is ensuring the accessibility of train stations and the support people need to get around them.
“We commend Govia Thameslink Railway for helping with this work by installing ‘RNIB Maps for All’ at four of its stations.
“These maps will help people with sight loss to travel independently and with confidence.”
Three Bridges Team leader Darryl Stanley looks at the new tactile map
Southern’s customer services director Chris Fowler said: “We’re listening and delivering on our pledge to make travelling easier for our disabled customers, and others with accessibility needs.
“These smart RNIB maps and other small but important improvements made at stations should make a real difference.”
Rail and Accessibility Minister Chris Heaton-Harris added: “I’m pleased to see GTR bring in this important initiative, benefiting blind and partially sighted passengers as people return to our railways.
Better access - Three Bridges has an additional gate wide enough for wheelchair users and those with buggies
“I am determined to ensure the rail network is open to everyone, and these maps will ensure passengers can travel with confidence through some of Sussex and Hertfordshire’s busiest stations.”
For more information visit: southernrailway.com/about-us/our-commitments/improving-your-stations
To find out more about the RNIB, visit: rnib.org.uk
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