Passengers with disabilities and reduced mobility who require assistance can now benefit from a new travel lounge at Reading station, which aims to provide a safe, calm and pleasant space while waiting for their train.
United Kingdom: The new lounge opened on Tuesday 29 June and offers passengers reduced mobility seating at higher levels, accessible interactive information screens and phone and electronic device charging facilities.
The lounge is being operated by GWR who have a customer ambassador on hand to help any passengers requiring assistance. Initially, it will be open seven days a week between the hours of 10 am to 6 pm.
Bernadette Sachse, Network Rail stations transformation insight lead, said: “It’s key for Network Rail to put passengers first by providing the first-class service to them.
“Travelling through a busy railway station can be unnerving for those with additional needs but the new assisted travel lounge can provide a safe and friendly space to wait for trains and onward connections and get help from a dedicated team when needed.”
Neil Craig, GWR’s mobility and inclusion manager, said: “Previously over 160,000 people a year successfully used our assisted travel service, but we are always looking at how we can improve on what we offer, and reduce barriers for those with disabilities to travel by train.
“We hope this new waiting area will allow even more people to take advantage of our train services and will be monitoring its success closely.”
