Train Operator Introduces New Priority Seating

New priority seating for disabled, pregnant and elderly customers is being introduced as a trial on 12 Northern trains.

The train operator – the second largest in the UK, with 2,500 services a day to more than 500 stations across the north of England – already has priority seating marked with notices, but they are sometimes used by customers who do not need them.

The new seats are easier to identify, as internationally recognised yellow symbols depicting disabled and pregnant people have been stitched into the blue covers.

They are being introduced on six Class 156 trains in the north-west and six Class 170 trains that run in Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire over the next month, giving wide coverage across the network.

Announcements will be made on the trains, encouraging customers who do not need priority seating to sit elsewhere and reminding everyone on board that not all disabilities are visible.

The operator worked with Northern’s Accessibility User Group (NAUG), which represents people with a range of disabilities, to develop the new seats.

“I am hoping it will make travel easier for disabled people and other users who need a seat,” said Mark Cutter, chair of NAUG.

“Our objective was to create a clear symbol for priority seats to encourage their use by those who need them.

“It is important to remember that not all disabilities are visible, and we should not make assumptions about people who choose to sit in these seats.

“Personally, when I get on a crowded train I always need to sit down, so I will ask ‘does anyone feel able to give me a seat?’. Usually, someone does.”

Northern is currently working with the Office for Rail & Road (ORR) to improve the travel experience for people with additional access needs.

To find out more visit https://www.northernrailway.co.uk/sites/default/files/2022-01/Rail%20accessability.pdf