Nusrat Ghani, MP for Wealden, has delivered a keynote address welcoming progress to public transport accessibility at a meeting of the All-Party-Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Disability.
The APPG for Disability focuses on issues that affect all disabled people regardless of their disability, impairment, or health condition. Last week, the Group met to discuss issues surrounding transport, streets and our wider environment.
During her keynote address, Nusrat outlined the progress made since the release of the Inclusive Transport strategy, which she delivered in her previous role as Transport Minister. The strategy paves the way to equal access for disabled people in all transport networks and promotes provisions such as step free access, changing facilities at motorway service areas and enhanced Passenger Assistance service.
Finally, last week the rail industry introduced a new Passenger Assistance mobile phone application to support customers who require assistance when travelling by train. The application provides an additional option for customers to request assistance via their smartphone nationwide.
Nusrat Ghani said: “It was a pleasure to speak about this important matter at the APPG’s latest meeting. Having introduced this proposal during my time as Transport Minister, I am so pleased to see this new mobile phone support service in action. The service supports the Government’s commitment to create a more accessible and inclusive railway for all passengers, regardless of disability or any other need for additional support.
“In Wealden, I’vesecured multi-million-pound funding for vital step-free access improvements to Eridge and Crowborough stations and warning tactile at Frant and Wadhurst stations. I will continue working to secure more improvements on the Uckfield Line to improve safety and passenger experience of all people using the network in Wealden.”
