Train travel for blind and visually impaired people should come with clear information, accessible stations and support when it is needed.
However, rail travel can still create barriers. Stations can be busy. Information can change quickly. Some routes may be unfamiliar. Not every station or train is as accessible as it should be.
RNIB says more than two million people in the UK are living with sight loss. Its recent rail accessibility report also highlights barriers such as inconsistent passenger assistance, difficult ticket-buying methods and inaccessible station or train design.
This guide shares tips that may help when planning a train journey.
Request Passenger Assistance
Passenger Assistance gives Disabled passengers, older people and people with access needs a way to request support before travelling by train.
If you are blind or visually impaired, you can request support that works for your journey.
This might include:
- help moving through the station
- guidance to the right platform
- help getting on or off the train
- support changing trains
- meeting you from your train
- guidance to the station exit
- clear information from staff
- support if platforms or services change
National Rail says Passenger Assist can include help navigating the station, getting on or off the train, meeting passengers from a train and taking them to the next train or exit.
Use the Passenger Assistance app
You can request assistance through the Passenger Assistance app or website.
The app is the easiest way to keep your journey details, access needs and assistance request in one place.
You can use it to choose your journey, share the support you would like and add notes in your own words.
For a step-by-step guide, read: How to use Passenger Assistance.
Check station accessibility information
Before you travel, it can help to check station facilities.
You may want to know if there are staff available, accessible toilets, lifts, waiting rooms or clear meeting points.
You can use Ask PA, the Passenger Assistance WhatsApp service, to check station accessibility information and manage your assistance request while travelling.
Read more here: Train assistance on WhatsApp: how to use Ask PA.
Check ticket and railcard options
Some blind or visually impaired passengers may be eligible for a Disabled Persons Railcard.
National Rail says the Disabled Persons Railcard gives 1/3 off rail travel for eligible passengers and one adult companion. It also says buying a ticket with a Disabled Persons Railcard does not tell the train company that you need assistance. You need to request assistance separately if you would like support.
There are also alternative discounts for some blind or visually impaired passengers travelling with an adult companion, even without a Disabled Persons Railcard.
Look for accessible station features
Some accessibility features can help make train travel clearer.
These may include:
- audio announcements
- tactile paving
- help points
- staff assistance
- clearer signage
- platform information
- priority seating
- handrails with colour contrast
RNIB says a Department for Transport programme to install tactile paving on platforms across Great Britain has been completed.
Availability of other features can vary by station and train company, so it is worth checking before you travel.
Watch Blind Tobes use Passenger Assistance
Blind Tobes shares how Passenger Assistance can support blind and visually impaired passengers when travelling by train.
Do I have to request assistance?
No.
Passenger Assistance does not replace Turn Up and Go.
Disabled passengers still have the right to travel by train without requesting assistance in advance.
Some people prefer to request assistance before they travel. Some people use Turn Up and Go. Others travel spontaneously or decide what they need on the day.
All of these choices are valid.
Start using Passenger Assistance
Train travel for blind and visually impaired people should come with clear information, choice and support.
Passenger Assistance can help you share your access needs, request support and keep your journey details in one place.
To request assistance for your next train journey, visit passengerassistance.com or download the Passenger Assistance app.