Transport campaigner, Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson, tries the new Liverpool City Region 777 trains
British Paralympic legend and disability rights campaigner Baroness Tanni-Grey-Thompson DBE DL, has thanked the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority and Merseyrail for showing ‘what can be done’ to make rail travel fully accessible.
The multiple gold medallist tried out the new 777 fleet of trains after hosting the recent Liverpool City Region For All Forum at Exhibition Centre Liverpool, which brought together disability experts, stakeholders and businesses to explore best practice for improving accessibility within the visitor economy.
The new fleet of trains represents a £500 million investment by the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, and have been fitted with sliding step-free technology, allowing level boarding between platform and train. This makes the Liverpool City Region the first place in the country to do this.
This marks a wider commitment by the Metro Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, Steve Rotheram, to ensure all platforms and stations in the region are fully accessible by 2030.
On her experience, Baroness Grey-Thompson said:
“Level boarding is amazing and the information on the train is really helpful. It shows me the accessible stations and where the toilets are. I got on the train, and I got off the train. I can just go and live my life. So, to Merseyrail and Liverpool City Region: thank you – it shows it can be done.”
Tony Killen, Rail Development Advisor and panellist at the forum said:
“I was particularly pleased to meet Tanni and get the opportunity to show her our new Class 777 trains. My overall takeaway from the event was to make me realise how the projects we are delivering on our network are truly transformative, giving people independence and the opportunity to travel as and when they want. It’s inspired me to do more to make our network accessible for all.”