North Swindon MP Praises Network Rail For Being On The Right Track

Justin Tomlinson, MP for North Swindon and Minister for Disabled People has praised Network Rail for hosting a national forum on the companies aim to support disability employment, carers and inclusive design for disabled passengers.

The event started off with a talk from Justin on the Ministerial work that he is doing to halve the disability employment gap and to make venues (including train stations) accessible for disabled people.

As part of his cross-governmental work Justin has worked very closely with the Transport Minister, Andrew Jones MP, to promote the "Access for All" scheme which provides investment in rail infrastructure to ensure that stations and the rail network as a whole become increasingly accessible.

Additionally, as part of the Railway Upgrade Plan, Network Rail is working to improve stations it manages by installing new ramps and footbridges, as well as supporting Train Operating Companies to promote greater access.

Justin Tomlinson MP said: “It’s fantastic to see an organisation like Network Rail host an open forum for employees to discuss productive ways in which the company can improve its approach to disability access and disability employment. I was delighted when representatives from Network Rail attended my Disability Confident event in Swindon last year, where they pledged their support to the Disability Confident campaign. It was also good to be given the opportunity to hear the latest updates on the electrification process, and to lobby support for updates to Swindon station – something I continue to press for on behalf of local residents.”

Mark Carne, Network Rail’s Chief Executive, said: “The focus of our Railway Upgrade Plan is making sure we have a railway fit for the 21st century and that includes increasing accessibility. Accessibility plays a key role in improving people’s travelling experience which is why we aim to factor it into everything we do, from designing new station buildings to improving dated infrastructure. Through the Department for Transport’s ‘Access for All’ scheme, we are making good progress with installing new footbridges, ramps and lifts at stations across the country. Most recently this has included a new lift bridge at Chippenham, which will be opening shortly. That said, there is still a long way to go which is why events such as this are so important. Only by understanding the challenges faced by passengers and disability groups can we hope to modernise the railway in a way that promotes inclusivity.”