Totems that provide information in British Sign Language (BSL) have been installed at four major stations across Scotland.

The totems provide real-time travel information in British Sign Language been installed at Glasgow Queen Street Station, Waverley and Haymarket Stations in Edinburgh, and Dundee Station.

A virtual interpreter is used to translate key travel updates and station announcements into British Sign Language, which enables deaf users to access the same information as passengers with normal hearing.

The totems also have touchscreen functionality that allows users to request specific information in another language.

The provision of totems is one of several initiatives by ScotRail and Network Rail to make it easier and more inclusive for everyone when travelling on the railway, regardless of their needs or abilities.

Last Year, Edinburgh Waverley and Glasgow Central became the first stations in the UK to display British Sign Language on their main departure boards after completion of work by Network Rail to introduce it on customer information screens.

Phil Campbell, ScotRail Customer Operations Director, commented that ScotRail was proud to be improving the customer experience for Deaf BSL users with the rollout of these new totems. This is an important step in making our stations more inclusive and welcoming for all, and ScotRail is committed to ensuring that Scotland’s Railway works for everyone, and this initiative is part of its wider efforts to improve accessibility across its network.

Elsewhere in the UK, British Sign Language screens are available at Chiltern Railways’ busiest stations, and Northern has trialled making announcements in British Sign Language on its trains.

“This is about empowering people to travel with confidence and independence. The boards mean BSL users can access the same essential information as other passengers, making train journeys more inclusive for everyone. At Scotland’s Railway, we’re committed to putting passengers first by improving stations and services. Accessibility is a key priority, and these additions are an excellent example of Network Rail and ScotRail collaborating for the benefit of passengers.”

Graham Smith, Network Rail Regional Telecoms Asset and Performance Manager