Transport for Wales’ Travel Companion Initiative: A Step Towards Inclusive Travel
In an inspiring move towards fostering inclusivity, Transport for Wales has launched a new initiative aimed at transforming train travel for individuals with visual impairments. This program introduces Travel Companions, specially trained staff who provide essential support and assistance to enhance the travelling experience and boost confidence among people who may otherwise feel apprehensive about using public transport.
Key Locations and Services
The Travel Companions service is operational at several key stations across Wales, including Cardiff Central, Swansea, Chester, Newport, and Shrewsbury. These companion teams are available from 8 AM to 8 PM each day, equipped to help individuals navigate through booking tickets, understanding potential service disruptions, and obtaining the necessary assistance throughout their journey.
At Swansea Station, a new office has been established at the front for direct customer interaction, forming a central hub for inquiries about travel and available services. This proactive approach significantly contributes to creating an environment where everyone, especially those with disabilities, can feel supported and informed.
Building Confidence with Guide Dogs Cymru
Earlier this month, members of Guide Dogs Cymru met with the Travel Companion team in Swansea to delve deeper into their roles and responsibilities. This collaboration is crucial as it enables the team to understand the specific needs of visually impaired travellers. As part of the initiative, Travel Companions undergo specialized training in sighted guiding with assistance from Guide Dogs, ensuring they are adequately prepared to assist those who may require additional support.
According to recent surveys, despite significant improvements made to train accessibility on the Wales and Borders routes, only 13% of disabled rail users felt completely confident when travelling by train. The Travel Companions program is a direct response to this alarming statistic, designed under the broader Confident Traveller scheme by Transport for Wales, which targets infrequent travellers and those needing extra help during their journeys.
The Confident Traveller Scheme
The Confident Traveller scheme seeks to equip individuals with the knowledge and experience required for train travel, working closely with various community support groups. The initiative showcases Transport for Wales’ commitment to fostering a welcoming environment for all passengers. The traveling experience, particularly for those who are visually impaired, is paramount, and the presence of Travel Companions makes a marked difference.
The interactions between Travel Companions and travellers are about more than just logistics; they are about building relationships and trust. Each companion brings not only logistical knowledge but also empathy and understanding to each interaction.
Booking Assistance Made Easy
To make the process of securing assistance as straightforward as possible, passengers can now book their required support up to two hours before their journey. This flexibility allows individuals to plan their travels with greater ease and participate more freely in the community. For those seeking assistance, it can be booked conveniently online through the Transport for Wales website.
A Growing Transparency
Recent developments in technology are also supporting the Travel Companions initiative. Transreport, an accessibility technology company, has received funding to expand its Passenger Assistance technology, aiming to make travel even more accessible for users. This focus on innovation in the transport sector is echoed by findings from the Office for Rail and Road, which reported a significant increase in requests for assistance, highlighting the growing awareness and utilization of support services available to passengers.
Voices of Experience
The impact of the Travel Companions program is articulated by those directly involved. Suzanne Churchouse, a Travel Companion from Swansea, expressed how vital it is to collaborate with Guide Dog owners and understand their unique travel needs.
“It’s been brilliant working with Guide Dog owners to understand what they need when they plan a journey… ensuring there is enough space for their dog and being on the right part of the train are key,” she noted.
Ken Skates, the Cabinet Secretary for North Wales and Transport, encapsulated the importance of this initiative perfectly, stating:
“This fantastic initiative provides additional support to people with visual impairment. Just knowing there is help available can make all the difference.”
Andrea Gordon, External Affairs Manager for Guide Dogs Cymru, emphasized the reality for many individuals with sight loss:
“Public transport is vital for people with sight loss to get out and about and live life as they choose. The owner may need extra assistance to access the station and locate their train… We hope the Travel Companion scheme will help to make train travel a better experience for them.”
Through dedicated programs like the Travel Companions initiative, Transport for Wales is not only enhancing the accessibility and quality of train travel for individuals with visual impairments but is also setting the standard for inclusive travel solutions in the UK and beyond. This initiative shows a commitment to creating an environment where everyone feels confident and empowered to use public transport, ensuring that travel is a possibility, not a barrier.