Wheelchair On A Train

[bednobs]

Hi, do you have to let the stations know you need a ramp?

[Milo2]

I needed assistance when travelling with LNER and was able to book it online. There were options for what assistance was needed. I’m not sure if it is the same for all operators but it might be worth checking.

[Peter Pedant]

have
yes I think so - they will say they cant provide the service unless notice is given.

Piccadilly Manchester and Birmingham are awful: good luck

[Canary42]

https://www.nationalrail.co.uk/stations_destinations/plan-assistance.aspx

[novalis]

Try phoning 0800 0223 720.

[mushroom25]

some train companies aren't good at actually providing assistance, even when booked. often the train arrives at the required station, and the assistance isn't there, leaving the person stuck on the train. the train conductor then has to walk to get the on-train ramp (invariably it's at the other end of the train), deploy it, get the person off and then re-stow the ramp.

all this takes time and often the train collects a reportable delay, which has to be attributed. often this goes down as "passengers causing a disturbance", which kinda shows the attitude of some train companies to their less able customers.

[Peter Pedant]

yes I can confirm Mushie
twice
( I did it - both blind, - the guy I assisted with a white stick, insisted on using the Tube like I went Chrissssssssst!)

[Old_Geezer]

The station rather than the train company ?

I have no idea how it works but if assistance can be provided at all stations then advance warning, while sensible, and courteous, ought not be vital. While you stick there blocking the doorway, what are they going to do, run the train with an open door ?

Check anyway.

[Buenchico]

With some train operators you no longer need a ramp. On all Greater Anglia trains, for example, there's now 'step free' access for wheelchairs. (See video below). Otherwise use National Rail's 'Passenger Assist' service, as per Canary42's link above.

[bednobs]

using GWR.
last time i went on that service, ramps were needed.
while im at it, anyone know if the tube station at wesminster is wheelchair friendly?

[bednobs]

ps in case anyone wonders why im asking, when i went i was able to step onto the train and lift wheelchair up the step, but this time my daughter has a broken leg witha hip to groin cast, and stuck out in front of her!

[bednobs]

in fact, will that be a problem? te leg out in front that is. Shes not going to be able to transfer to a seat

[Buenchico]

Westminster Underground Staton is in category 'A (Green)' on the Jubilee Line, which is defined as follows:
"These stations have the smallest step and gap and are suitable
for most customers including wheelchair users".

On the Circle and District Lines, Westiminster is in category 'R', which means that ramps are used. See 'Boarding Ramps' in this document:
https://content.tfl.gov.uk/step-free-tube-guide-map.pdf

[bednobs]

thanks to all. They managed by booking assistance through the phone link