London Euston in London has become the first railway station in the country to provide passenger information using British Sign Language.
From Wednesday, 2 June, passenger information touchscreens have gone live around the major Network Rail managed transport hub.
A further 10 will be installed by the end of 2021 and an additional large screen will also soon be unveiled beside the arrival and departure boards on the main concourse.
In total £1.1m has been invested by Network Rail to develop the software needed and install the British Sign Language screens at Euston station.
The touchscreens have been developed in a pioneering partnership with Cambridgeshire-based British Sign Language company Clarion UK and Nottingham-based screen manufacturer LB Foster.
Clarion UK’s Sign Language interpreters have created a library of standard messaging as part of the screen software.
But in a railway first its staff will provide passengers with signed information as situations evolve or during periods of unexpected disruption.
Within an hour messaging can be turned into British Sign Language and uploaded directly to the screens using 4G technology.
“We understand that rail travel can be daunting for anyone with specific needs and we’re always looking at ways we can improve accessibility so everyone can travel with confidence.” said Loraine Martins, Network Rail’s director of diversity and inclusion.
“We’re really excited to have these screens installed and in action, to see the real difference they will make for passengers who use British Sign Language. Euston station is proud to be leading the way, and I look forward to a time in the not too distant future when screens like these will be the norm on the railway and not an exception.”
