UK: Greater Anglia has worked with design consultancy Trainways and manufacturer Portaramp to test a prototype wheelchair ramp, ahead of the entry into service of its new fleets of Bombardier Transportation and Stadler trainsets. Testing included consultation with people with assistance animals to ensure the ramp meets a range of different needs.

‘Train designs differ so our ramps are designed for each specific application’, said Portaramp General Manager Mandy Lancaster. ‘This means each new ramp must be tested to make sure they perform as required’.

‘Inclusive design is much more than a toilet and a wheelchair space’, explained Dominic Lund-Conlon, Transport Project Lead at Essex County Council and a member of Greater Anglia’s Stakeholder Equality Group. ‘The ramps need to be suitable for all, regardless of scooter, wheelchair, walking with or without an assistance dog. By working together we are enabling every customer to get on board.’