6 apps I use when travelling as a blind person 

I’m an avid assistive technology lover. I love all things accessibility, so it’s no surprise that I’m always keen to check out the latest apps on the market for blind and vision-impaired people like me. These apps, along with my long cane, are my independence. They’re what help me navigate the world independently. The assistive tech and apps I use transform inaccessible tasks. When I’m travelling, apps help me plan and book a journey, check my trains are running on time, get from A to B, and so much more. 

So what apps do I use when out and about? 

BlindSquare 

BlindSquare is an app specifically designed for blind and vision-impaired people. Whilst navigating, it lets you know about points of interest, and also whilst giving information on intersections throughout your route. It also works with third-party apps such as Apple or Google Maps to enhance its functionality. Both working in conjunction together are fantastic! 

Find out more about BlindSquare. 

Apple or Google Maps 

It’s always a plus when the built-in apps on our devices are fully accessible. Many of the mainstream apps that are available on our phones are great when navigating when travelling. These apps can give you turn-by-turn directions, and narrate directions whilst on the go. They can be specified for driving, walking or public transport – each coming in useful for different situations. 

They can seek out your current location, which can be really handy when trying to orientate yourself, particularly in an unfamiliar location.  It won’t be to the nearest centimetre, but they are generally very accurate.  

Further to orientating, both apps can be used as an accessible compass which can help you get back on track. 

Moovit 

I’ll always find myself navigating to the Moovit app when I’m travelling by bus. 

It uses a bus’s internal beacon to send real-time information to the Moovit app. It’ll let you know when the bus you want is approaching your bus stop. You can also track your journey as it’ll announce the stop at your destination. 

Download Moovit from the App Store or the Google Play Store. 

AccessAble 

Whenever I have an upcoming trip, I always like to plan in advance whenever I can. Equally, I also like an element of spontaneity too. The AccessAble app helps me achieve both! Through its detailed access guides, AccessAble “ takes the chance out of going out”.  The thing I love the most about AccessAble is the intricate detail – there are no assumptions, it gives the specifics. We all know that accessibility isn’t a one-size-fits-all all approach. 

Information includes details about ramps and lifts, accessible toilets, hearing loops and so much more… Pretty much everything you’d need. As a blind person, something I personally find helpful: is the clear instructions on the locations of doors, and the exact location of a venue. AccessAble makes planning a visit much less stressful and tons easier. 

Find out more about AccessAble. 

Trainline 

Whenever I’m travelling by train, the Trainline app is my go-to.  

Firstly, the ease and accessibility of booking tickets mean that I don’t have to navigate inaccessible platforms. In my opinion as a screen reader user, there are few websites that allow you to book train tickets accessibly and independently. The Trainline app alleviates a lot of that stress. 

One feature that I also find really useful is being able to track the train I’m on, particularly if there are no audio announcements when on board. It allows me to know where I am, and keep track of the expected arrival or departure time should any delays occur. 

Passenger assistance 

The Passenger Assistance app is a real game changer! Even now, I’m still amazed when a journey is confirmed within as little as 5-10 minutes of me putting the request through. 

Even better, you can let station staff know your accessibility needs, making everything much less stressful. Once you submit your request, it’s sent to the train operator who will do the rest. You’ll then receive a notification once everything has been confirmed. I genuinely wonder what we did without the Passenger Assistance app for so long. 

Download the Passenger Assistance app from the App Store or Google Play Store. You can also book assistance via the Webサイト if you prefer. 

Those are some of the apps that I regularly use when travelling. Which apps would you recommend? 

About the Author

Holly Tuke is a disability blogger and freelance writer. She also works as a communications professional within the charity sector. Holly is the Author of the blog Life of a Blind Girl which she started in 2015 as a platform to share her experiences of living with a vision impairment, educate others and tackle the misconceptions surrounding disability.

She was named one of the most influential disabled people in the UK as part of Shaw Trust’s Disability Power 100 list in 2018 and again in 2019. She also won the Social Media Influencer of the Year award at the 2019 RNIB See Differently Awards.

Away from the blog and freelance writing, Holly enjoys going to concerts, spending time with friends and family, and relaxing with a good audiobook.

Top tips when travelling by plane as a wheelchair user

As a disabled person with a passion for travelling, I am well aware of the obstacles that come with planning and travelling as a wheelchair user. I remember back when I was taking my first flight as a disabled person and the worries that came with it – and that was before I even booked my holiday. With little to no information readily available online, I sought answers from the place I know best – the disabled community.

Having travelled to 10 different countries in the past 12 months using various different methods of public transport, I figured it would be handy to share my top tips with you all when planning your accessible trip abroad.

Here are my top tips for travelling as a wheelchair user:

Attach a tracking device to your chair

On every flight I get on, I always attach an Apple AirTag to my wheelchair. This way you can locate it if it somehow gets boarded on a different plane and sent to a different country (trust me, this happens. In the US, on average, 29 wheelchairs are lost or broken DAILY). There are a lot of different tracking devices available to purchase online for as little as £25.

Prep your chair before it goes into the hold

Be sure to remove all detachable parts from your chair and take in the cabin with you. I detach my cushion, smart drive, and a few other pieces should they go missing in the hold. Think about what could possibly fall off whilst in transit – other items include, footplates, armrests and backrests.

Book assistance before your flight

Airports here in the UK are legally obliged to provide assistance to disabled travellers. This is a free service from all UK airports. Most airlines will require at least 72 hours notice for an access request, so be sure to do this before you arrive at the airport. Most UK airports, offer assistance from the moment you arrive at the airport, and this can look different for each passenger depending on your access needs. Staff are available to assist you with baggage, navigation throughout the airport to your gate and the actual boarding process. Depending on your access needs, you may need to use an AmbiLift to board the flight, whilst other passengers use the stairs. The airport assistance staff are available to accompany you through this process. Another top tip is to check if there is an aisle chair on board when booking. This is a big consideration if you are unable to get yourself to the toilet onboard a flight, so it is always worth checking beforehand.

Read up on your rights!

Here in the UK, airlines are required to make the journey as comfortable as possible for you, however, this isn’t always a reality. Legally, they should be bringing your chair back to you at their earliest convenience. Request that you remain in your chair to the plane door and that this is brought back to the plane door for you. Do not get off the plane until your chair is there – despite what staff may say ‘someone is finding it, just get off the plane and you can stay in the aisle chair till they bring it’. The minute you get off the plane, there is no urgency to find the chair and you can be sat in ill-fitting airport wheelchairs for hours while your wheelchair is getting placed on baggage reclaim. Staff can’t get off until all passengers leave, the pilot usually speeds the search party up when they realise this. This has happened to me on a few occasions! Refer to the Civil Aviation Authority for more information on your rights as a disabled passenger.

Check your allowances for mobility devices

Disabled passengers are able to bring up to two mobility devices with them, completely free of charge. This may include; wheelchairs, shower chairs, walking frames, seating supports etc.

If you’re taking any lithium batteries with you (chair/attachments), be sure to have the certificates to hand. Even if you’ve informed the airline before arrival, be sure to bring this to the airport as you will more than likely be asked about this at the check-in desk.

Give yourself plenty of time

In my experience, I like to arrive as early as possible, just in case any extra time is needed to go through your assistance bookings.

Whilst this extensive list does seem daunting, I would really like to stress that the process does become a little less cumbersome the more you do it. Having travelled with numerous airlines to lots of different airports, it does get easier in time, once you have more experience.

The most important thing is to not be put off by all of this (hard I know!). We, as a community, deserve the same opportunities as everyone else when it comes to air travel, and being comfortable and aware of the obstacles always puts me in good stead.

Transreport has officially confirmed its entrance into the aviation world, which will make it a lot easier for passengers to book their assistance when travelling via air. You can also book a free accessibility assessment in certain airports, so you can experience a run-through of what to expect, ahead of your flights!

Let me know what else you would add to this list of top tips for travelling as a wheelchair user!

About the Author

I’m Jennie – A disability blogger, traveller, campaigner, community builder and keynote speaker based in Hartlepool/London.

Accessible Days Out In Yorkshire 

I may be biased, but I think Yorkshire is one of the greatest places in the world. The way I explore these days looks a little different now that I’m a wheelchair user, but here are some ideas for accessible days out across the county… 

The Gothic ruins of Whitby Abbey with the suns rays producing a star.  Sea mist held back by the cliffs at Sandsend in the background
Source: Daverhead

National Railway Museum, York 

Based just moments away from York Train Station, the National Railway Museum is a great day out. You can explore the stories behind history’s iconic trains and railways, check out the latest exhibitions, and even take a ride on the Road Train up to the Minster. The Museum is easy to navigate via wheelchair and has plenty of other access measures in place too, making a great day out for all the family. 

Meadowhall, Sheffield 

If shopping is more of your scene, it’s always easy to have a good time at Meadowhall. You can easily reach the shopping centre via train or tram, and inside you’ll find a range of high street and designer shops, cafes and restaurants, and a cinema too. It’s all indoors so it’s ideal even when there’s rainy weather, it’s easy to navigate, and if you struggle with walking you can also rent mobility aids from Shopmobility for the duration of your visit. 

The Deep, Hull 

Visiting The Deep allows you to embark on a journey through great oceans, without setting foot outside of good old Hull. You can see stunning marine life up close, engage with interactive displays, and learn more about the importance of conservation in a way that’s enjoyable for all ages. If you travel from certain stations, the Hull Leisure Return can offer a great discount on your train tickets, and The Deep is committed to Access For All

Alhambra Theatre, Bradford 

If you enjoy theatre, you may like to know that Bradford Alhambra Theatre is one of the most beautiful venues out there with a rich history behind it. There’s always a great programme of events with matinee and evening shows – award-winning plays, musicals, comedy and more. Bradford Theatres have been a White Rose Tourism nominee for ‘Access For All’, and their Access and Carer Membership scheme may help you access reduced ticket prices for you too. 

Corn Exchange, Leeds 

For those chasing creativity or something a little different, Leeds Corn Exchange is an iconic landmark that will leave you feeling inspired. Inside the spacious building, you can find dozens of quirky shops and enterprises, and there are often events and performances taking place in the centre of it all. It’s a bright and colourful place with a lovely atmosphere where you can happily pass a couple of hours, and though there’s room for improvement, the majority of the site is level access too

If you’re keen to explore more of Yorkshire, don’t forget to purchase your train tickets and book your assistance through Passenger Assistance so you’re all set to go. Enjoy your adventure and do let us know what you get up to! 

About the Author

Pippa Stacey is a disabled writer and presenter based in Yorkshire. She also works in communications consultancy in the charity sector and has been named by The Disability Power 100 as one of the most influential disabled people in the UK. In her free time, Pippa enjoys theatre, reading, travel, and blogging about her experiences at Life Of Pippa.

Explaining your condition or impairment when on a train 

When using public transport, I’ve found that sometimes I have to explain my disability. More commonly than not, this is when asking for a seat. I want the interaction to be easy and not have to explain my medical history to a stranger! The use of the lanyards and cards mentioned in this blog post could help in all areas of life. 

Here are a few ways you could do this to make these interactions more straightforward; 

Only share what you’re comfortable with 

You don’t owe anyone your medical information. Please only share the information you are comfortable with. If you don’t want to discuss your disability, that’s okay. If you don’t want to use these communication aids, that’s also okay. 

I’d like to think these cards or lanyards shouldn’t be needed, but I know many people find them helpful, myself included. 

Sunflower lanyard 

Hand of a person dragging a suitcase, wearing on the wrist a lanyard of sunflowers, symbol of people with invisible or hidden disabilities.
Source: Carolina Jaramillo

A sunflower lanyard shows others that you have a hidden condition or impairment. It’s dark green with a sunflower pattern. You can get them free at some supermarkets. You can also buy them for under £1 on the Hidden Disabilities website. 

Hidden Disabilities sunflower lanyard 

I’ve had a sunflower lanyard for a few years now and I find it really helpful. If I’m on a busy train, the lanyard allows passenger assistance to find me more quickly. It’s also a great place to put badges. Some of my badges are disability-related, and some are about my hobbies and other aspects of my life.  

Please offer me a seat 

Train seats
Source: MediaProduction

If you find it difficult to stand while using public transport, you could use a card or badge to let others know you need to sit down. This is a scheme that was started in London.  

Please offer me a seat (Transport for London) 

I have a physical disability, but this can be hidden in certain circumstances. For me, it’s hard to stand for long periods of time. Yet it can be hard to approach a stranger and ask for their seat. I feel like this card would empower me to have more subtle conversations with people.  

JAM card 

I’ve only recently come across the JAM, and it makes sense! If you need more time to do something or find it hard to communicate, the Just A Minute (JAM) card might help. 

JAM card 

It is an easy way to ask others for space or patience when using public transport. You could use this when: 

  • Buying a train ticket 
  • Asking a question at the information point 
  • Boarding the train 
  • Finding your train ticket 
  • Moving out of the way for other passengers getting off the train 

Stickman communication cards 

Stickman Communications really do have something for every disabled person. The idea is to have a card that easily explains your medical needs. There are so many different cards, including condition-specific information.  

Here are a few that I thought were related to train travel: 

Stickman communications 

I hope these things can help when explaining your needs when travelling by train. Don’t forget, you can also pre-book your assistance with Passenger Assistance. You can do this by using the Passenger Assistance app or website form.  

About the Author

Chloe Tear is an award-winning disabled writer, speaker and advocate. In her blog, Chloe Tear, she writes about her lived experiences of being registered blind and having mild cerebral palsy. Chloe also works as a content designer within the charity sector. When she’s not writing, she can be found exploring new coffee shops, going to the theatre or playing Stardew Valley on the Nintendo Switch.

We’re partnering with Naidex, again! 

What is Naidex?

We’re pleased to announce that this year, we’ll be partnering with Naidex again! So for those who may not know what Naidex is, let me introduce you quickly. Running for 50 years, Naidex is the Flagship Event for the Disability community, an opportunity to meet up with friends, make new connections, browse products, services and adaptations for independent living, share experiences, and work to remove barriers for an inclusive society, accessible to all.

Naidex is Europe’s most established event for the independent living community. From showcasing a wide range of the latest technology and innovations aimed at enhancing independence to exploring the future of accessibility, it truly offers something for everyone.

Why are we partnering with Naidex?

We believe that our values at Transreport match heavily with the values displayed at Naidex. We all want to make the world a more accessible place one step at a time. Naidex aims to improve the disabling world by showcasing solutions in mobility and accessibility, so we see us as two organisations pulling in the same direction.

This year Naidex will be hosting a panel where a group of influential people in the industry will be speaking about travelling with a disability and accessing an inclusive future. Our very own Jay Shen will be on this panel which is something to definitely not miss! Along with Jay, panel members include Carrie-Ann Lightley (from Accessable), Heather Hepburn (from Skyscanner), and Jennie Berry (A well-known influencer), along with many other recognisable faces on the scene. You can catch the panel on the main stage at Naidex at 12:30 on the 23rd of March (45-minute session).

There’s something for everyone

Naidex features an exhibition of over 200 products and services along with the Marketplace in partnership with Disability Horizons where you can browse daily aids. There is also a live performance space called the Village Green, where musicians, dancers, comedians, sports people, chefs, and entertainers provide demonstrations. Just part of the 50th birthday celebrations, they are bringing you a Naidex Comedy Hour with Aaron Simmonds and Lost Voice Guy on the Main Stage for free!

The Accessibility and Care Theatre is a brand-new addition to Naidex 2023. It will feature seminars drawing upon the lived experience of caring for loved ones and the newest assistance technologies and adaptations enhancing care and independent living.

When and where is Naidex?

Naidex will be taking place this year on Wednesday 22nd March: 9:30 am – 4:30 pm and

Thursday 23rd March: 9:30 am – 4 pm. It will be held in NEC Birmingham – Hall 20. 

How do I get to Naidex?

The NEC has worked in partnership with AccessAble to create Detailed Access Guides to 28 areas, including all exhibition halls, car parks, The Atrium, The Gallery, The Piazza, and The Skywalk. You can download the AccessAble app or view their accessible guide here.  
You can head over to Naidex’s travel and accommodation page to get all the information you need on how to travel to and from Birmingham Nec and you can also check out what hotels they’re partnering with. Don’t forget that if you’re travelling by train, download the free Passenger Assistance app or go to our 予約サイト to book your travel assistance in advance and have some peace of mind when planning your trip.

Train Travel Tips For People With Noise-Sensitivity

Noise sensitivity is an under-recognised challenge that affects people with various disabilities. Different individuals have different triggers, but it’s safe to say that the thought of travelling by train with noise sensitivities can feel daunting. Here are some tips and tricks to help ease the journey:

Body parts in details - Closeup view of black female ear
Source: Jun

Identify Calmer Waiting Areas

Often, the most overwhelming part of train travel can be waiting to board your train at the station. With lots of people and activity all around you on the concourse, it may be valuable to identify somewhere quieter and more peaceful for you to wait until it’s time to go. You may find it helpful to sit down inside an enclosed coffee shop with a cup of tea, or some UK train stations have assistance lounges that are more peaceful. Don’t forget to use the Passenger Assistance app to book your assistance!

Book The Quiet Carriage (Or First-Class Tickets)

When booking your train tickets, request that your seats are in the Quiet Coach/Carriage. Most trains have at least one of these carriages, and though they won’t be silent, they tend to be filled with like-minded people who are also hoping for a more peaceful journey. Noise regulations aren’t usually enforced in these areas, but at least you’re much less likely to be sat across from an on-the-move stag do or makeshift karaoke booth during a girls’ night out…

Stickman Communications Cards

Noise sensitivity can be difficult for non-disabled people to understand, and feeling the need to explain yourself can take valuable energy and exertion. If you’re feeling worried about unexpected conversations, either with train staff or fellow passengers, Stickman Communications create brilliant little cards that communicate access needs. In the moment, showing somebody the card can take away the need to explain your adjustments or further engage in conversation. Here are some examples relevant to noise sensitivity. If none of them feel like the right fit for you, you could even create your own.

Prepare With Pain Relief

If your noise sensitivity is related to pain, you may have prescription pain relief or management strategies for this. Always adhere to the guidance that medical professionals have given you, but if you’re feeling fearful about the impact of noise on your pain levels, you could consider taking pain relief before you begin your journey. That way, you may be better able to tolerate any issues that crop up.

Noise-Cancelling Headphones

Finally, noise-cancelling headphones can be a hero product during your journey. There are many different models out there with various price points, but noise-cancelling technology can really make a difference and help to filter out more painful sounds in your environment. Make sure you have yours charged up and ready to go and pop them on your head once you’re on board. For extra protection, you could even play ‘white noise’ or ‘brown noise’ tracks through them to help soothe your brain and make your journey more comfortable.

If you have any tips for travelling by train with noise sensitivity, we’d love to hear them!

About the Author

Pippa Stacey is a disabled writer and presenter based in Yorkshire. She also works in communications consultancy in the charity sector and has been named by The Disability Power 100 as one of the most influential disabled people in the UK. In her free time, Pippa enjoys theatre, reading, travel, and blogging about her experiences at Life Of Pippa.

The Accessibility, Freedom and Independence of Using Braille When Travelling 

My earliest memories of braille are from when I was around 3 or 4 years old, mainly reading some of the much-loved, famous children’s books with my family. Whilst my sighted peers were learning to read print, I was learning to read braille which is a form of communication used by blind and visually impaired people like me.  

Reading text in braille.
Credit: alle12

You’re probably more familiar with the concept of braille than you realise. You may have seen braille on everyday items around your home such as medication and some cleaning products. It’s essentially a series of dots that make up letters and numbers. 

I’ve been using braille since I was little, and I wouldn’t be without it – it’s my freedom, independence and privacy. 

How braille is a part of my life 

I’ll be the first to shout about how amazing technology is. Assistive tech is an instrumental part of my life. However, there’s something that can’t beat the ease and flexibility of braille. From reading presentation notes to picking up a box of medication and reading the braille label, to reading bank statements in privacy, those 6 dots will always be part of my life. 

Although I don’t use it as much as I used to, it will always remain an important part of my everyday life, and something I will never take for granted. 

With the rise in braille-related technology such as braille notetakers and braille displays which are either standalone devices or linked to smartphones and computers, braille and technology are possibly becoming more intertwined than ever before. 

The thing I like most about braille is the ease of access; from reading notes on a braille display for an important meeting or presentation to pulling out my hefty Perkins Brailler and making my own braille labels, there’s always a use for braille.  

It’s not just at home and in work environments that braille has its uses, I’ll also be found reading braille whenever I come across it out and about. You may even find me reading it whilst travelling on the train from time to time. 

I love being able to read a braille menu when they’re available in a restaurant. Finding braille on buttons in lifts and buildings fills me with so much accessibility joy. It helps me feel more confident when out and about. The use of braille in public places enables me to access information, and navigate a familiar building confidently and independently, as well as giving me access to everything in the same way sighted people do. 

The importance of braille when travelling  

Credit: chpua

As someone who regularly travels up and down the country, and makes use of the passenger assistance app, braille is always a welcome addition to my travels. It makes me feel a sense of comfort; knowing that there’s a means of communication that I can access quickly and easily is always a welcome relief. 

It also makes me feel included. It shows that a business or company has considered accessibility. Most importantly, it shows that they value disabled customers. 

Having braille available around a building, on buttons or having information available in accessible formats enables people to have the access they need. As a blind person, it means that I’m not being excluded from having the same rights and access as everyone else.  

It’s a small touch but goes a long way. If I feel thought of and included, I’m more likely to return in the future. 

I’d love to see braille incorporated into more public places for blind and vision-impaired people to access on their travels. Wouldn’t it be great if we could be able to pick up a menu, read a sign, or find our location on a tactile map, all at our fingertips? Let’s give everyone the accessibility, freedom and independence they deserve. 

About the Author

Holly Tuke is a disability blogger and freelance writer. She also works as a communications professional within the charity sector. Holly is the Author of the blog Life of a Blind Girl which she started in 2015 as a platform to share her experiences of living with a vision impairment, educate others and tackle the misconceptions surrounding disability.

She was named one of the most influential disabled people in the UK as part of Shaw Trust’s disability Power 100 list in 2018 and again in 2019. She also won the Social Media Influencer of the Year award at the 2019 RNIB See Differently Awards.

Away from the blog and freelance writing, Holly enjoys going to concerts, spending time with friends and family, and relaxing with a good audiobook.

How To Save Money On Train Travel As A Disabled Person 

At the moment, many people are finding it even more difficult than usual to make ends meet: especially disabled people, who already face additional costs in day-to-day life. For many, train travel is essential – but this too can be costly. If you’re looking to save some extra pennies while using public transport, here are some tips and tricks: 

A close-up shot of an unrecognisable person collecting their ticket from a machine in a train station.
  1. Book Advance Tickets 

If you have plans for later in the year, booking advance train tickets is one of the easiest ways to find a lower fare. You can generally book around 12 weeks ahead of your journey (although this has been reduced to 6 weeks in some areas due to the impact of the pandemic), and the earlier you can book, the better. If tickets aren’t live yet and you’re worried about missing the 12-week sweet spot, most booking sites allow you to enter your email address and receive a notification when these tickets are live. 

  1. Purchase A Railcard 

Buying a railcard involves paying a fee upfront, but entitles you to discounts on all train travel before the expiry date. Those who receive specific disability benefits or meet other criteria can apply for a Disabled Person’s Railcard, which provides 1/3 off travel for both yourself and a companion. If not, there are many other railcard options available too. 

  1. Split Your Journey 

When you book a train ticket online, the search engine will automatically show you the quickest routes to reach your destination. However, using online tools like Train Split can show whether splitting your route and changing trains along the way could be more affordable. This option won’t be suitable for every disabled person, especially if you have mobility issues or your preference is to board once and get settled in for a long journey. However, if you struggle with motion sickness or sensory overload, splitting your journey might even help you to better pace yourself throughout your travel day too.  

  1. Look Out For Loyalty Schemes 

If you regularly travel with one train operator, see if they offer any loyalty schemes. These schemes are designed to encourage people to book through their own sites rather than a third-party platform and reward customers with points that convert into savings and discounts for future travel. LNER Perks, for example, offers 2% credit for every £1 you spend with them, as well as monthly competitions and exclusive offers from partner businesses. 

  1. Be Flexible With Travel Times 

If you can, consider travelling at less busy times. Besides advance tickets, off-peak and super-off-peak tickets generally offer the cheapest fares. Even if you’re booking last minute rather than in advance, there tends to be a significant price difference between tickets for peak and off-peak trains, so the latter is usually the best option. Once you know when you’re travelling, don’t forget to book your assistance and you’ll soon be on your way! 

Happy travels, and here’s to a new year of adventures! 

About the Author

Pippa Stacey is a disabled writer and presenter based in Yorkshire. She also works in communications consultancy in the charity sector and has been named by The Disability Power 100 as one of the most influential disabled people in the UK. In her free time, Pippa enjoys theatre, reading, travel, and blogging about her experiences at Life Of Pippa.

2022 and the Passenger Assistance app

Although we’re already two weeks deep into 2023, it wouldn’t be right to not dedicate a post to everything that we’ve achieved together regarding the Passenger Assistance app in 2022. We’ve listened to all of your feedback throughout the year and have worked tirelessly to make the app what it is today, and to create a better platform for disabled people to be able to book assistance for their rail journeys. We’ve accomplished many things this year, from the launch of our new booking website, the addition of new app features and working alongside many disabled people to listen to their experiences and feedback on using the app.

So, let’s get into what 2022 looked like for Passenger Assistance; 

New app features 

1) Based on passenger feedback, we added a new option in the ‘title’ field when users create a profile on the app or booking website. ‘Mx’ was made available as a gender-neutral title, for inclusivity. 

2) Train operators cut the assistance booking window from 6 hours to 2. This allows disabled people to have more spontaneity in their days and rail journeys. 

3) We added new buttons for passengers to request wheelchair spaces, priority seats and/or companion seating alongside any other assistance they require. 

4) Our brand new 予約サイト was launched so passengers are able to book assistance on their computers/laptops for free, meaning those without mobile phones can now also pre-book assistance online. 

5) We launched a new ratings feature allowing passengers to rate their journey assistance through the mobile app. Users can rate their journey using stars and add additional comments in the ‘more information’ boxes so they can leave as much feedback as they’d like. 

Continuing to listen! 

Throughout 2022,  we continued to listen to disabled people’s experiences of using the app to pre-book assistance to make it a better platform. We also worked alongside many influential disabled people to spread awareness of our app and we even had an amazing Christmas jingle which was written and sung by @itsaliceella (Instagram handle), you can listen to it here!

@wheelie_good_life
@itsaliceella
@sophjbutler
@tess.daly

n_q_p_c

2022 was great, but there’s so much more we want to achieve and we can’t wait to bring you along on the journey. Your feedback matters to us, we always share it with our team so that we can bring our users the best in-app and online experience we can, so please continue to let us know your thoughts. Thank you for your continued support since the app was launched and bring on 2023!