Good news for fans of accessibility!
This written answer from Lord Ahmad given on the 24th April...
Baroness Randerson: To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they have been officially informed by Southern Rail that they have withdrawn "turn up and go" access for disabled passengers from 33 stations; and if so, whether they intend to intervene to ensure that this service is restored.
Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) have advised the Department for Transport that passengers do not have to book assistance before travelling with them; GTR only recommend this to ensure they have staff prepared with ramps or that alternative travel is in place if a station is not accessible.
We take the issue of accessibility on our railways extremely seriously. It is vital that all passengers, including disabled passengers, are able to use public transport and we look to train operators to make reasonable adjustments to facilitate unbooked assistance.
In other words; you don't have to book ahead, unless you actually want to get on the train.
UPDATE: Courtesy of @LeeRender...
@TheFactCompiler It was a six month trial that applied to 36 stns only and trial started back in May 2015 https://t.co/7R8FD9XOJm— Lee Render (@LeeRender) April 25, 2017
Eye's 'Rule of Railway Trials' has always been that this is how we hardcode customer benefits into daily service!
Alas, apparently it is now more advantageous to inconvenience the passenger by removing, rather than retaining and enhancing, the status quo.
But this is Southern, the franchise that slaughters customer service on a daily basis.
No matter.
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