‘On Track for inclusive train travel: a model for engaging disabled people with rail workforce culture change’ was an innovation project focused on making rail travel more accessible and inclusive for disabled people. 

Grant-funded by the Motability Foundation, this multi-partnership project was delivered by Community Rail Network, RNIB (Royal National Institute of Blind People) and two community rail partnerships – Community Rail Lancashire and GO Community Rail Partnership (Oxfordshire and Gloucestershire).

The report explores disabled people’s experiences of rail travel and examines how staff training, operational systems, organisational culture and the wider railway environment affect accessibility and inclusion.

The findings show that while disability awareness training is widespread across the rail industry, training alone cannot deliver consistently positive experiences. Reliable assistance, clear information, effective communication, operational restrictions, sufficient staffing and inclusive design all play a critical role in helping disabled passengers make successful journeys.

The report also highlights the importance of involving disabled people in shaping training, services and decision-making, ensuring lived experience is at the heart of improvements.

This Discovery phase marks the first step in respective wider programmes of work being carried out by Community Rail Network and RNIB to help create more accessible, inclusive and reliable rail travel for everyone.

Read the report below and find out more about the project.