Govia Thameslink Railway and Sight Loss Councils host transformational ‘Try a Train’ event at Sutton and Wimbledon stations

• Collaboration with Sight Loss Councils, Southwestern Railway and TfL boosts confidence among blind and partially sighted passengers

Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR), which runs Southern and Thameslink trains, and Sight Loss Councils have hosted the first of two ‘Try a Train’ events at Sutton and Wimbledon stations to help blind and partially sighted people feel more confident about travelling independently by train.

The event was a collaboration, delivered in partnership with South Western Railway and Transport for London’s mentoring service team, offering those who came direct access to rail industry professionals.

Sight Loss Councils (SLCs), funded by Thomas Pocklington Trust, are regional groups led by blind and partially sighted people. Together they work with organisations to ensure what they do is accessible and inclusive.

Blind and partially sighted local residents joined SLC volunteers and the rail transport experts to begin their journey at Sutton, where they were introduced to key elements of the station layout and assisted travel procedures. The group then travelled to Wimbledon station to further explore navigating a busy interchange station.

This hands-on experience is invaluable for individuals who may otherwise feel anxious about using public transport due to accessibility concerns.

A further Try a Train session is planned for blind and partially sighted people on Thursday 19 June at Wimbledon station, starting at the main entrance at 10.15am https://www.sightlosscouncils.org.uk/events/wimbledon-try-a-train/.

Govia Thameslink Railway’s Accessibility Lead Carl Martin said: “This marks the first time such a collaborative session has taken place, and the positive overall experience was deeply felt by all involved.

“Events like this are not only informative but often life-changing for those living with disabilities who wish to feel empowered and reassured while navigating public transport.

“One of the most strongly echoed sentiments from the day was the pivotal role staff play in removing the barriers that Victorian station infrastructure can create. Feedback from participants highlighted how engaging, supportive, and knowledgeable our staff were throughout the experience, a true testament to the dedication and professionalism of our teams across the network.”

South Western Railway Senior Accessibility and Inclusion Manager Michael Adlington said: “We were delighted to work with colleagues from GTR and Transport for London on the first joint Try the Train event between our three companies. Many customers interchange between our three services and it’s important to show how similar the levels of support from colleagues will be but also any differences customers can expect when travelling with us. We very much look forward to continuing this partnership at our next event on 19 June.”

James Mead, TfL’s General Manager of On Demand Transport, said: “It’s so important that people feel confident when using public transport, so that they can independently travel around London. We were really pleased to take part in this collaborative session to help people understand how our own transport network interacts with services from other providers, making them aware of all the travel routes available and opening up opportunities.”

Notes to editors

About the assisted travel services offered by rail operators

• Click here for more information about Southern's assisted travel service.
• Click here for more information about Thameslink's assisted travel service.
• Click here for more information about South Western Railway's assisted travel service.

About TfL's travel mentoring scheme

• Click here for more information about TfL’s travel mentoring scheme.

About Sight Loss Councils

• Sight Loss Councils (SLCs) are regional groups led by blind and partially sighted people. Together, they work with organisations to ensure what they do is accessible and inclusive.

• There are currently around 25 SLCs across the country. Each SLC is made up of blind and partially sighted members who meet monthly to discuss accessibility issues and plan projects in their regions under priority themes. National themes addressed by all SLCs are accessible public transport and street safety so everyone can travel independently and safely, and health and fitness. We also work to increase the accessibility of shopping, museums and galleries, depending on local area needs.

• We are funded by national sight loss charity Thomas Pocklington Trust. Over the next year Thomas Pocklington Trust will extend our groups of SLCs further across the country.
• To find out more visit: www.sightlosscouncils.org.uk