Wheelchairs

Most trains can accommodate wheelchairs that are within the dimensions prescribed in government regulations covering public transport (700mm wide, 1200mm long). There are a small number of older trains that can only currently carry wheelchairs that have a maximum width of 670mm.

The maximum combined weight of a person and their wheelchair that can be conveyed is limited by: the capabilities of the individual member of staff assisting the passenger and the stated maximum safe working load of the ramp (between 230kg and 300kg).

Under no circumstance should staff lift a person travelling in a wheelchair. Should circumstances arise in which a customer needs to be lifted staff should contact the emergency services.

There are a limited number of spaces available to wheelchair users on each train, it is important that customers try to book their space in advance.

mobility scooters

Because mobility scooters come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, many have problems on trains, including: tipping backwards on ramps; being heavier than the ramps safe working load; or being the wrong shape to manoeuvre safely inside a carriage.

These problems mean that some companies have trains that cannot carry scooters so if you are a scooter-user who wants to travel by rail, you should contact the train company to check they can safely accommodate your scooter.

Please remember to contact the train company to confirm that all the stations and trains you want to use are accessible. If you require assistance please let them know at least 24 hours in advance.

You’ll find contact details for most train operators in the following download

Train Operators