FRANCE: Accessibility consultancy Direct Access has expanded its rail work into France through a pilot project with Keolis to audit rail, metro, tram and bus interchanges in Lyon.
The consultancy is assessing entrances, wayfinding and arrival and boarding points, and will submit detailed recommendations for improvements during June. This could include identifying where arm rests could be installed on seats, and increasing the colour contrast on door frames to make them easier to identify for blind or partially sighted passengers.
UK-based Direct Access was formed in 2004, and audits compliance with relevant access legislation and standards. Transport is one of its biggest markets, with rail customers including Avanti West Coast, TransPennine Express and Network Rail.
‘Disabled people travel less and undertake travel for different purposes compared with people without disabilities. There are key differences in the experiences of disabled people in relation to different modes of transport, and how some methods are more frequently used than others’, said Operations Director Steve Dering, who is deaf.
‘Understanding the challenges and barriers that disabled people face in accessing transport facilities enables services to be developed or changed that will enhance customer journeys.’
