Difference between revisions of "Category:Wheelchair-accessible adapted carriages"

Revision as of 20:38, 24 August 2019

While all trains are wheelchair accessible, due to the historic design of carriages with their narrow doors and gangways, some of the carriages' accommodation is not suitable. The SVRSevern Valley Railway has sought to provide wheelchair-accessible adapted carriages with the support of groups on the railway and external bodies. These specially adapted vehicles, which allow wheelchair access, are available on certain trains and can accommodate wheelchairs that are within the dimensions prescribed in government regulations covering public transport (700mm wide by 1200mm long). Disability-friendly toilets are also fitted in some of these vehicles. The SVRSevern Valley Railway issues ‘Wheelchair Guidance for Passengers’.

At all stations, excluding Northwood Halt, ramps are available which connect between the train and the platform. The train crew and station staff will assist passengers in wheelchairs if required.

Notable events

• 1995: BR Gangwayed Brake 80776 won the Association of Railway Preservation Societies' “Coach of the Year” award for its conversion to a passenger carrying vehicle for up to 16 wheelchair users and 15 accompanying passengers.
• 1998: LNER 24105 Open Third entered SVRSevern Valley Railway service incorporating a wheelchair area
• 26 August 2003: SVR Wolverhampton Branch commenced the wheelchair accessible conversion of BR 4690 Tourist Standard Open, which was in use by 4 August 2008.
• May 2016: The SVR announced that the SVR Charitable Trust had won a grant of £75,000 in a Department for Transport competition, for a scheme to transform the Railway’s travel offering for disabled passengers. The scheme involved the restoration and conversion of BR 4399 Tourist Standard Open and 80776, and the purchase of lightweight, portable ramps for each of the Railway’s wheelchair-accessible carriages.
• November 2017: work began on the conversion of GWRGreat Western Railway CollettCharles Benjamin Collett, Chief Mechanical Engineer (CME) of the Great Western Railway 1922-1941 Bow-Ended Coach No 5043 to GWR 9581 Wheelchair accessible Buffet Car, with saloon accommodation for disabled passengers and their companions at one end and an accessible buffet counter at the other.
• 13 August 2019: 4399 returned to service incorporating adjustments similar to sister 4690; the removal of seats to allow a pair of double doors to be fitted on each side, next to a wheelchair parking area.

Wheelchair-accessible adapted carriages

The carriages are:

Vehicle pages