Just found out step-free access work at our local station is delayed indefinitely, due to lack of funds … despite being already funded 6 years ago.
Actually, glad I found out *today*, as a night of no sleep means I don't have the energy to be Absolutely Fuming.
#AccessForAll
#DisabledByTheRailway
A question - Would you expect to be downgraded from First Class because someone else sat in your reserved seat? Outrageous, right? Yet that's exactly what happened to disability rights campaigner Doug Paulley. On November 21st, 2024, Mr Paulley was due to travel on the 11:46 CrossCountry service from York to Bristol Parkway. Upon attempting to board the train, Mr Paulley was denied access to the wheelchair space he reserved as another wheelchair user, from an earlier stop with no reservation, was occupying the only suitable space in First. CrossCountry offered Doug a downgrade to the Standard Class space in Coach F, which he rightly declined. This led to a 30-minute stand-off on the platform just to secure his legal right to travel. Mr Paulley was eventually allowed onto the train and given access to his booked wheelchair space, after having to position his wheelchair in the dispatch corridor to prevent the train's departure. Instead of taking accountability, XC made public announcements attributing the 30-minute delay to “passengers causing a disturbance” on JourneyCheck, an excuse typically reserved for police-related incidents, which this never was. It’s shameful at best. Mr Paulley was then forced to take legal action against XC Trains Ltd, with Leeds County Court finding that he was discriminated against, as they failed to provide him with his booked wheelchair space. This isn't a one off incident, it's a systemic problem caused by train operators like CrossCountry seeing disabled people as second class passengers. You would never see a Train Manager downgrading an able-bodied passenger to Standard Class if they had a seat reservation - why should it be any different with a disabled passenger? What can and should change? It is inevitable that CrossCountry will be starting the process to procure new units, potentially within the next 5 years. We call on CrossCountry Managing Director Shiona Rolfe to ensure that any new-build units ordered for CrossCountry have…
From speaking to Mr Paulley, we are very satisfied that he did not cause any “disturbance”, he simply (and quite rightly) demanded the wheelchair space that he was entitled to. Thankfully, when the train arrived into Leeds, the delay attribution was changed to a “problem under investigation”, however the accusation is still unacceptable. There's no excuse for disability discrimination in 2025. It's time for CrossCountry, and the rail industry to prove that accessibility isn't optional. CrossCountry Rail Users Group - 2/11/25.
Please see our statement on the complete failure by CrossCountry to provide assistance to disability rights activist, Doug Paulley.
#DisabledByTheRailway
Travel between Bedford & London was not a delight, partly due to failed lifts but also to staff. The failed lift at Bedford was mitigated by helpful staff there; problems were caused by unhelpful attitudes from staff at St Pancras denying boarding due to my wheelchair. #DisabledByTheRailway
#DisabledByTheRailway is one of 138 orgs who signed the reasoned amendment that has been selected today.
Urging all MPs of all party colours to now put their constituents first!
#TakingThePip
#DisabilityRebellion
www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/ck...
Recommended reading
#AccessDenied
#DisabledByTheRailway
#DisabilityRights
#AccessibleTransport #PublicTransport
committees.parliament.uk/publications...
The thing about TfL assistance for disabled passengers being turn up and go is that it needs stations to be adequately staffed.
I’m now facing repeated delays and safety issues because stations cannot manage to meet the needs of disabled passengers especially at rush hour. #DisabledByTheRailway
disabledbytherailway.com/turn-up-and-go
Don’t let them erode our *explicit* right to spontaneous travel - Turn up & Go (TUAG)
If they dilute commitments to access in the GBR legislation then tens (hundreds!!) of thousands more of us will be #DisabledByTheRailway
Sigh. The lift on platform B at St Pancras is out of order again. Having to re route to Farringdon and catch the tube. The train I'm on a driver-only train so relying on assistance from station and tube staff working out. Feel a bit sick #DisabledByTheRailway
This is an absolute scandal and I am RAGING
@ScotRail @RMTunion @transportgovuk #DisabledByTheRailway #StaffOurStations
abcommuters.com
URGENT ACTION @heidialexander.bsky.social
#DisabledByTheRailway
#DisabledByDesign
Deeply concerning issues with the next round of rail consultations- we need @heidialexander.bsky.social to act NOW
We simply cannot allow people to continue to be #DisabledByTheRailway - it’s PUBLIC TRANSPORT!
abcommuters.com/2025/02/28/n...
@transportforlondon.bsky.social yesterday the discrimination wilsden junction station are committing continuous
To go as far as hiding access ramps for the bakerloo line trains behind metal fence.
Why are we going backwards with accibilety travel
#disabledbytherailway
@heidialexander.bsky.social what on earth is going on?
This is really bad and you really MUST extend the consultation so it’s held for the full 12 weeks because this is a LOT to respond to & it seems like one hell of a stitch up to keep us #DisabledByTheRailway
What's this - GBR dropping its main #accessibility *and* #climate duties?
ORR palming off responsibility for access to Transport Focus?
Rail Delivery Group hanging on 🤬
Consultation needs extending to 12 weeks *right now* !!
#DisabledByTheRailway
www.disabilitynewsservice.com/anger-after-...
It’s like 2023 all over again only this time we’re even more ready than back then.
Let’s go! 👊🏻
#DisabledByTheRailway
#DisabledByTheRailway
(And those using screen readers will be further disabled by the absence of alt text on the OP’s images - the images are for blocked off lifts / escalators etc in a train station.
Concern over government’s ‘terrible joke’ appointment of rail access ‘ambassador’
https://buff.ly/3VziGsU
@marisharay.bsky.social @liberaldisability.bsky.social @abcommuters.bsky.social #DisabledByTheRailway
So even #NorhernRail are a dab hand at making people #DisabledByTheRailway. Why?
A red Lego train with a raised platform with level boarding and a smiling Lego manual wheelchair user just leaving the train
So it appears that #Lego have sorted out level boarding on trains…
Slight feeling husband may have just bought me this set!
#DisabledByTheRailway
