Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 13
13
Not Addressed
Department remains slow to deliver tangible rail accessibility improvements despite acknowledging the need.
Conclusion
We asked the Department about the passenger improvements it has made for disabled passengers and people who find accessibility an issue. The Department recognised that it needs to make sure the railway works for disabled passengers, and that accessibility is going to increase in importance with demographic changes. The Department told us that it will shortly be going out to consultation on a national rail accessibility strategy so that it can “…hear what people actually need, rather than us thinking that we know what they need.” The Department told us that, in some ways, it was “surprised” that it needed to make a commitment to review station accessibility.27 We shared with the Department the example of Leagrave station where a feasibility study for lifts and improvements has been undertaken but, years later, rail users are still waiting for action.28
Government Response Summary
This conclusion references a consultation on a national rail accessibility strategy and the example of Leagrave station. The government's response is the same as for IDs 7081 and 7079.
Government Response
Not Addressed
HM Government
Not Addressed
3. PAC conclusion: It is unacceptable that so much of the rail network remains so difficult to access for so many people. 3. PAC recommendation: The Department should fulfil its commitment to improve access to the rail network for all who wish to use it and does not need to wait for further consultation or legislation to make improvements to station facilities and train services. It should report back to the Committee alongside the Treasury Minute on its plans and timetable for when stations and trains will be accessible to all. 3.1 The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Target implementation date: Winter 2024 3.2 Accessibility is one of the six tests the Secretary of State will measure the railways’ performance against. The department will set out next steps as soon as possible. 3.3 The department will continue to make improvements to the accessibility of the rail network. This includes continuing to support the access for all programme, which since launch has delivered accessible, step free routes at more than 250 stations and smaller accessibility improvements at over 1500 stations. 3.4 The department will also make use of the accessibility audit data of all 2,575 rail stations across Great Britain to improve passenger information on station facilities and their accessibility, and better target future investment decisions.