Trains
There is a well developed local rail network within the Network West Midlands area. Local train services are operated by London Midland, with fast local trains linking into long distance rail services at main line stations.
Stations and trains are becoming more accessible. Recently we have provided accessible waiting facilities at Five Ways, Bournville, Blake Street and Erdington as well as providing step-free access to the booking offices at Four Oaks, Yardley Wood and Rowley Regis stations. New automatic audio announcement systems have been installed at 25 stations which provide announcements of the next train to arrive at the station.
Facilities at rail stations in the NWM area
To see the facilities at individual stations in the NWM area click here and then click on the station on our interactive rail map.
Advance booking and assistance
The accessibility of rail stations varies; it is recommended that you should always try to plan your journey so that you use stations best equipped and staffed to meet your needs. If you think that you may need assistance at the station or on the train, please let the train operators know youare coming.They are happy to assist disabled people, but prefer advance notice to ensure their staff are available when needed.
If you need extra assistance to help you make your journey, contact National Rail Enquiries 08457 48 49 50 or call into the Customer Reception or Travel Centre at Birmingham New Street Station.Alternatively for London Midland local services telephone 0845 602 4277
To provide the best possible service, you can assist the station staff by providing the following information-
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The date you will travel and the time your train will leave
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The destination station and any stations where you need to change trains
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Exactly what assistance is required
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How you will travel to and from your departure and arrival stations, for example taxi or private car, and whether someone is meeting you at your destination
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Whether you will be travelling alone or with someone
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Whether you will need a wheelchair at your departure and arrival stations
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Any other information you want to give
Please provide similar details for your return journey if possible, particularly if you are returning the same day. Please try to give at least 24 hours notice of your journey. If you do not give notice, the normal level of service cannot be guaranteed. Where the London Midland station of choice is not accessible, a suitable alternative station will be recommended. If no alternative station exists within a reasonable distance, London Midland will offer an accessible taxi to take passengers to the nearest accessible station at no extra cost to the passenger (if a taxi service is available to London Midland at a reasonable cost).
Train facilities
Local services
Trains operated on local services allow ease of access to the passenger accommodation for wheelchair users. A member of rail staff will provide an access ramp to enable you to board and alight. Trains have push button operated powered sliding doors, flat wide entrances, good internal lighting, and handy grab rails.
London Midland “Sprinter” trains used on routes between Birmingham and Stratford Upon Avon, Leamington Spa, and Worcester are also being refurbished. The floor areas near the doors have been replaced with a colour contrasting finish, together with new door opening and closing buttons with colour contrasting surrounds and tactile and Braille text.
On the Birmingham to Coventry line, new “Desiro” trains have been introduced on many journeys, which are accessible and meet the requirements of the DDA Rail Vehicle Accessibility Regulations. They include features such as audio and visual announcements, wheelchair accessible toilets and priority seats for disabled people.
National services
On many longer distance trains, if you are a wheelchair user you will be able to travel providing you book in advance with the train operating company. A member of rail staff will provide an access ramp to enable you to board and alight.
In Standard Class, there is space to accommodate wheelchairs and powered wheelchairs up to width of 670mm and length of 1200mm. It is recommended that you make a reservation in advance to make sure a space is available on the journey you wish to undertake. If you are disabled you can reserve a seat closest to the doorway and toilets. On newer trains there will be an emergency intercom.
Most trains have automatically opening internal doors, and audio and visual announcements are made about approaching stations and services. Many longer distance trains now have wheelchair accessible toilets on board, and a catering service, if provided by the train company, should be provided at your seat if you can’t get to the buffet.
London Midland disabled passenger information
London Midland produce a leaflet that is also available in accessible formats entitled “Travel Information for Disabled Passengers” that sets out how the company assists disabled passengers to use their stations and trains. For a copy, contact-
London Midland, Customer Relations, PO Box 4323, Birmingham B2 4JB
Telephone 0121 634 2040 Fax 0121 654 1234
Email: comments@londonmidland.com
Rail map for people with reduced mobility
This has been produced by National Rail and shows the basic access information for all rail stations across the UK. To request a free copy, send your name and full postal address to-
PRM Map, Disability and Inclusion, 3rd Floor, 40 Bernard Street, London WC1N 1BY
Email disability@atoc.org
www.nationalrail.co.uk/passenger_services/disabled_passengers/accessibility_maps