London Underground Launches Groundbreaking Accessibility Information Service To Ease Travel

Main Category: Public Health
Also Included In: Muscular Dystrophy / ALS
Article Date: 22 Apr 2007 - 7:00 PDT

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The service, launched at Southwark Station takes access information to a new level and is initially only available on www.directenquiries.com. It will soon be fully integrated with the Transport for London journey planner.

London Underground's Accessibility and Inclusion Manager, Wayne Trevor said: "The new service will be a real benefit for all our customers showing them the best routes through stations for their individual needs, not just wheelchair users, but the elderly, travellers with heavy luggage and parents with buggies, as well as those passengers with visual and hearing impairments.

"This groundbreaking new service allows all customers to plan in advance ensuring an easier and more relaxed journey, promoting confidence and independent travel on the Tube."

Susan Scott-Parker, Chief Executive of Employers Forum on Disability said: "London Underground's new accessible route planner on the Direct Enquiries website will revolutionise travel in the capital for disabled people. This easy to use service will take the hassle out of journey planning for everyone.

"Disabled people always tell us that inaccessible transport is the greatest barrier to employment. A service that smoothes the way through London's complex maze of stations, platforms and exits is welcome news for employers who are looking to recruit disabled people.

"We are looking forward to the day when the whole transport system is mapped on to Direct Enquiries."

Visitors to www.directenquiries.com will be able to search for accessible routes through each Underground station, prioritising their search according to their individual needs. Routes available include both street-level to platform and interchanges (platform to platform). The access details include the number of steps, lifts, escalators, walking distances, ramps and platform to train gap width.

The site also allows passengers to search for comprehensive information about each station, including car parking, toilets, and services for visually impaired people, induction loops and other access facilities. Visitors to the site can also register, free of charge, which will allow them to receive updated travel and access information on stations of their choice. This additional service will also be available by SMS before the end of the year.

Bert Massie, Disability Rights Commission (DRC) Chairman said: "This new on-line accessible information about the Tube is a good step forward in providing better information for disabled travellers.

"DRC research shows that disabled people would travel more if they had clearer and more accurate information. So more transport companies need to follow London Underground's example by providing clearer information about their services, vehicles and stations."

The Transport for London journey planner allows passengers to conduct searches across the whole network covering 274 stations, providing accessible route information across the city. Integration of the two services is underway.

Grant Kennedy, Chief Executive of Direct Enquiries said: "The addition of London Underground's access information is a substantial step for disabled people and those with specific access needs in London. This is groundbreaking work and we are really excited to have created the world's first online resource of this type. It is also clear that www.directenquiries.com London Underground's interactive Direct Enquiries site is now seen as a truly useful interactive tool, rather than just a database."

(British English - Underground. American English - Subway)

www.directenquiries.com

Source of this article: www.muscular-dystrophy.org

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