Press release -
Thameslink and Southern promote independent travel for people with accessibility needs
On Thursday 26 April, Govia Thameslink Railway held a 'Try a Train' event from Brighton station, taking a group of 12 from 'Possability People' with various accessibility needs on the train to London.
The charity works with disabled people, older people and young people, or anyone with an impairment or long term health condition.
With the day led by Southern Station Manager Anthony Dowsett, the group were issued tickets and negotiated the ticket gates by themselves; a crucial aspect in helping to build their confidence.
Once on board the Thameslink train to Blackfriars, they were updated on upcoming projects that GTR are looking to introduce to improve support for their needs. There was also a question and answer session.
On arrival at London Blackfriars the group were met by PCs Ian Jefferies and Mark Edwards with their City of London Police horses, Lionel and Trug, before heading down to the South Bank in the sun to visit an exhibition about ABBA.
Sergeant James Green of the mounted branch at the City of London Police said: "Here at the City of London Police we work hard to meet and connect with our community so it was great to meet everyone involved today in Southern's Try a Train trip to London.
"Two of our police horses, Lionel and Trug, were able to come down and meet everyone which added to the excitement of the day. We hope everyone has a great time in the city and has a safe journey back to Brighton.”
Anthony Dowsett, Southern Station Manager for Brighton: "This is such a vital experience for people with accessibility needs; helping to build confidence to travel independently is so important. Try a Train also helps Southern to better understand the needs our passengers may have, meaning we can provide the best accessibility support on board trains and at stations."
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Govia Thameslink Railway
Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) operates Thameslink, Great Northern, Southern and Gatwick Express services as follows:
- Thameslink – services between Bedford and Brighton, Luton/St Albans and Sutton, Wimbledon and Sevenoaks
- Great Northern – services between London and Welwyn, Hertford, Peterborough, Cambridge and King’s Lynn
- Southern – services between London and the Sussex coast (Brighton, Worthing, Eastbourne, Bognor Regis, Hastings) and parts of Surrey, Kent and Hampshire (Ashford International, Southampton, Portsmouth)
- Gatwick Express – fast, non-stop direct services between Gatwick Airport and London Victoria
www.southernrailway.com, www.thameslinkrailway.com, www.gatwickexpress.com, www.greatnorthernrail.com
