Train operator Northern is running a trial in Lancashire aimed at giving older and disabled people greater confidence when they use the rail network.

The trial, to be launched in April on Northern train services between Preston and Colne, will allow users at unstaffed stations to alert the train’s conductor that they need assistance.

Designed to make travel more accessible for older and disabled people, when a user requires assistance, the system will send alerts to train conductors as requests are made, instead of them being notified at the start of a journey.

Alerts can be sent to the train’s conductor up to ten minutes before its departure by scanning a QR code at stations along the line or calling Northern’s Customer Experience Centre for guidance and advice on 0800 200 6060.

The service will be available on trains between Preston and Colne, calling at Lostock Hall, Bamber Bridge, Pleasington, Cherry Tree, Mill Hill (Lancs), Blackburn, Rishton, Church & Oswaldtwistle, Accrington, Huncoat, Hapton, Rose Grove, Burnley Barracks, Burnley Central, Brierfield, and Nelson.

In addition to this trial, there is a national Passenger Assist scheme for customers who need extra help. To use Passenger Assist, customers should give at least two hours notice for:

• Assistance boarding or leaving a train.
• Assistance entering or leaving a station.
• Use of a portable ramp to get on or off a train.
• Assistance with transferring to connecting services.

“I’m excited that this trial is looking at ways to make requesting assistance at unstaffed stations easier and convenient for those who need it whoever they may be. The ability to turn up and go should be part of the available travel experience for all passengers, whether or not they need passenger assistance. Accessible transport options – and the possibility of spontaneous travel – helps to empower people to live independent lives. With projects like this Northern is demonstrating its commitment to removing the barriers to travel that can have a disabling impact on many customers.”

Mark Cutter, chair of Northern’s accessibility user group