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Railhub Archive
1998-07-30 ORR-001
Office of the Rail Regulator0
Regulator calls for greater railway access for the disabled
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   Regulator calls for greater railway access for the disabled
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type Press release
note ORR/98/30
Rail Regulator, John Swift QC, today challenged rail companies to deliver a rail system which was accessible to all those who wished to use it.
He said the Government was committed to reducing social exclusion and added that there were fewer forms of exclusion more absolute than denying people access to a service such as public transport. He had an obligation to promote the interests of people who are disabled.
Speaking at an ORR conference ' Towards An Accessible Railway' he said that public transport had, in the past, been a significant barrier to people with disabilities, partly because of physical barriers such as inaccessible trains and partly because of a lack of awareness of the needs of disabled people.
He said: "The challenge which faces the railway industry is to deliver a railway which is accessible to all those who wish to use it. That is a significant challenge.
"But, at the same time, developing an accessible railway also offers real commercial opportunities. The potential market is huge. As our research shows, there could be around six million people covered by the DDA who will have legally enforceable rights.
"In addition, many millions more who do not fall within the current definition of disability, will find the railway becomes easier and more convenient to use."
The Regulator said: "We will be looking for clear commitments to improvements that can be measured and that all customers can have confidence in."
The seminar, in London, was attended by many leading figures with a key interest in rail accessibility including Glenda Jackson MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Transport, John O'Brien, the Franchising Director, Sir Robert Horton, from Railtrack, representatives of national disability groups as well as train operating companies.
Railhub Archive ::: 1998-07-30 ORR-001
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