Northern Trains launch accessibility innovation scheme

Northern Trains is launching a £250,000 Northern Accessibility Innovation scheme to enhance accessibility and improve train travel for disabled and elderly passengers using the network.

The trainline is seeking proposals from organisations, charities, community groups and more that will make a positive difference to communities across the North of England. The £250,000 funding will be awarded across several categories and will be overseen by the Northern Accessibility User Group.

Speaking about the project, Mark Powles, Commercial and Customer Director at Northern, told reporters: “We are dedicated to making Northern’s services accessible to everyone and to playing a role in improving the communities along our routes. We want to hear suggestions for how we can continue to do this. I am delighted that for the second year running, we have been able to provide a quarter of a million pounds to our Accessibility Innovation Scheme, which will consider a wide range of proposals involving our trains and stations and will have a positive impact for the north.

“The fund is part of our wider project to transform our network, giving all customers a rail service fit for the 21^st century.”

The innovation scheme is now in its second year, with numerous projects improving access across Yorkshire, Derbyshire, Cheshire, Lancashire and Cumbria.

For bids to be considered, the proposed project or scheme must be scheduled for completion by 31^st December 2023, be fully costed and appropriately researched. Match funding is not a requirement but will be looked at favourably, especially for schemes with a higher overall value. Applications can be submitted here:  https://www.northernrailway.co.uk/