UK: Greater Anglia has unveiled the accessibility features of the Class 720 Aventra electric multiple-units which Bombardier Transportation is supplying to operate outer-suburban commuter services into London Liverpool Street.
‘Our new trains will be much better for our disabled customers’, said Rebecca Richardson, Accessibility Manager at the Abellio-owned franchisee.
The trains were designed with input from disabled passengers, who provided advice about features including the location of the emergency call buttons in the accessible toilet and the use of colour contrast to suit people with visual impairments.
Every train has purpose-built spaces for wheelchair users, accessible toilets and more sophisticated passenger information systems. The 89 five-car units will have two wheelchair spaces and 48 priority seats, while the 22 10-car units will have three wheelchair spaces and 106 priority seats.
The accessible areas will include power sockets and USB ports where wheelchair users can charge their mobile phones, tablets or laptops.
The 111 Bombardier-built 25 kV 50 Hz EMUs totalling 665 vehicles have been financed by leasing company Angel Trains and are expected to start entering passenger service later this year.
