About Southern Railway
Southern Railway provide train services in south London, between central London and the South coast, through East and West Sussex, Surrey and parts of Kent and Hampshire, and constantly strive to make their services as accessible as possible.
Priority Seating Card now available
Southern received frequent user feedback that the Priority Seating set aside on their trains for use by specific travellers (including those with disabilities) was actually often used by those who were not entitled, and if the entitled person dared to challenge they sometimes faced abuse. Southern decided this was unacceptable and sought to find a solution. The result was the introduction of their Priority Seating Card, which following a successful trial was launched at the end of 2009 with posters at stations, leaflets and audio announcements.
What is the Priority Seating Card?
This simple card, which proves that the holder is entitled to a priority seat, has gone from strength to strength. There are now hundreds of travellers with both visible and hidden disabilities benefiting from the use of this card, thereby avoiding potentially awkward conversations about why they have an entitlement to use this designated seating.
One user said "It is very empowering and a superb innovation - I hope it will continue and spread to other train providers."
What's more, Southern have also invested in better promotion of the location and purpose of the priority seating on their trains by applying well designed stickers on the back of the seating in front and on the windows above.
Southern have achieved both a popular and effective precedent with their introduction of the Priority Seating Card. Praised by Passenger Focus (the Passenger Watchdog), this initiative has won industry awards and now other train operators are planning to follow suit, and introduce their own version of the card.
Do you want a Card?
If you or somebody you know uses train services in the Southern network area and would like to apply for a
Priority Seating Card please contact Southern Customer Services:
telephone: 0845 127 29 20
email:
myjourney@southernrailway.com
minicom: 0800 138 1018
Or write to:
Southern Customer Services
PO Box 3021
Bristol
BS2 2BS
Southern install RNIB Map for All
Southern are focussing on many accessibility initiatives, and another example we would like to raise awareness of is their investment in Map for All. These innovative maps are RNIB's uniquely designed interpretative static maps, which provide an accessible overview of an area by combining visual and tactile elements. As part of their enhanced stations programme, Southern have already installed Map for All at Hove, Lewes,Three Bridges and Worthing stations.
Each map covers the whole station including underpass and overpass areas, but not necessarily the whole length of the platform, just where there are facilities and seating. So, if you travel via any of the stations mentioned or know somebody who does make sure to try out these fantastic maps. Discussions are also being held about the potential of further stations to follow. Congratulations and a huge thank you to all at Southern as well as RNIB's business teams in making these installations a reality.
Rail Innovation Awards 2011
Southern Railway's commitment to their customers has been recognised by the Rail Innovation Awards 2011. Southern Railway were awarded 2 out of the 7 awards for their priority seating cards and the installation of RNIB's Map for All in Hove, Lewes, Three Bridges and Worthing stations. Congratulations to Southern Railway.
Contact details
RNIB Map for All and making your station accessible
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