The Campaign for Family-Friendly Trains has proclaimed Merseyrail and London North Eastern Railway (LNER) the best UK train operators for families travelling with young children. Eurostar ranked the worst.
The Campaign researched train operating companies' provision of facilities, including dedicated space for unfolded pushchairs, step-free access, baby-changing facilities and information for families. It awarded operators marks in ten categories, as shown on its scorecard.
Although they came out on top, Merseyrail and LNER – both publicly-owned – scored only half the maximum points, and the Campaign hopes that the rankings will illustrate to all train operators where they need to improve.
The assessment praised Merseyrail for its new trains, owned by the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, which contain pushchair-friendly features such as wide aisles, single seats with space for a pushchair next to them, and dedicated pushchair bays. It also highlighted Merseyrail's plan to ensure step-free boarding between trains and all platforms via a sliding step once all the new trains are in service.
The Campaign for Family-Friendly Trains said: “Merseyrail, a commuter network, and LNER, a long-distance operator, have both taken significant steps towards introducing family-friendly facilities and services.”
Alice Delemare-Tangpuori, a spokeswoman for Campaign for Family-Friendly Trains, said: “It is encouraging to see companies like Merseyrail and LNER travelling in the right direction.
“Their scores show some train operators take the issue of family-friendly travel seriously.”
Neil Grabham, Managing Director of Merseyrail, said: “We are dedicated to ensuring all customers are able to travel with us as safely and comfortably as possible.
“I'm proud that the hard work that is currently being undertaken in introducing the groundbreaking new trains has been reflected in this research.
“It also complements other improvements being made across our network as lifts are introduced at more and more stations. We are delighted that this progress is having such a positive impact for customers and that their travel experiences are being improved, especially for those travelling with children.
“Not only is our infrastructure designed with families in mind, but we also have a family ticket which offers daily, unlimited, off-peak travel for up to two adults and three children for just £13.
“And ideas for great family days out on our network can be found at the Destination Merseyside pages at merseyrail.org. So, there is great opportunities for all families to get on the train and enjoy the fabulous events and places throughout the Liverpool City Region.
“Merseyrail will be striving to ensure that we remain an industry leader and a welcoming place for families.”
What is needed more than anything is more table seating. I don’t take my kids to a cafe or restaurant to look at the backs of their heads, so why should I be made to do it when I’ve shelled out a fortune for the train?