WIREDGOV

Many of the elements to improve accessibility in the £7.6m refurbishment project, funded by the Welsh Government and Network Rail, went beyond the basic compliance standards and have been praised by disability groups for making the station easier to navigate.

As well as individual elements, such as a tactile guidance path for blind and partially sighted people, improved natural lighting, use of colour contrast and reduction of clutter around the station, the project has been commended for the way that it was managed throughout, including consulting with disability groups.

Andrea Gordon from Guide Dogs Cymru and Vision Impaired West Glamorgan said:

“Guide Dogs Cymru and Vision Impaired West Glamorgan were delighted to be involved in the station re-development. It is a great example of  a partnership approach that listened to and took into account the challenges that face blind and partially sighted travellers, what can be done to support their safety and independence, and  reflecting that in the final design.”

The positive impact of the project, which was delivered by Arriva Trains Wales, was also recognised by customers through Passenger Focus’ National Passenger Survey, where the score for customer satisfaction increased from 50% to 93% following the completion of the improvement work.

Lynne Milligan, Customer Services Director for Arriva Trains Wales said:

“We are really pleased that Swansea Station will be held as an example  of best practice in this area and this reflects how we are dedicated in making our rail services, wherever possible, more accessible to everyone in the communities that we serve.”

The Welsh Government and Network Rail have now produced a report highlighting the main lessons learnt and successes to help others when planning accessibility improvements.

Transport Minister Edwina Hart said:

“The Welsh Government wants to improve accessibility at railway stations across Wales. The work carried out at Swansea High Street Station has received praise from a number of disability groups for the way it considered accessibility throughout the planning and delivery stages. This report highlights some of the successes of this project and I hope its findings will be of use to others when considering work to improve accessibility."

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