The UK’s Rail Minister, Chris Heaton-Harris, has written an open letter to the Rail Delivery Group (RDG) asking the industry to continue to ensure that rail travel is accessible for persons with disabilities during the coronavirus outbreak.
Opening the letter by thanking the UK rail industry for regular updates on the rail industry’s response to the coronavirus outbreak and everyone working hard to keep our railways running, so all those who need to get to work can do so, including NHS staff on the frontline of tackling the virus.
“It is critical that people who need to do so are able to travel to work in a safe and reliable manner during this challenging time for the country. I am writing to ask specifically that the industry continues to ensure the needs of disabled people are met during this time. Rail must, irrespective of the circumstances, always be accessible for all.” said Chris Heaton-Harris
“We will be working closely with the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) to investigate any reports of failure to provide assistance to disabled people during the COVID-19 outbreak. Our position on accessibility remains the same, even in these extraordinary times – delivering an accessible service for every passenger is essential to creating an inclusive railway.” said Harris.
