Metrolink wins second national accessibility award

Greater Manchester’s Metrolink system has picked up its second award of the year for accessibility, as transport officials were praised for their “commitment to independent living”.

The Transport for Greater Manchester Disability Design Reference Group (DDRG) won the ‘Public Sector Engagement’ award at Breakthrough UK’s National Independent Living Awards.

The DDRG has been an integral part of the design process for the expanded Metrolink network since 2008. Its 11 members, who represent people with a range of disabilities, give practical advice on accessibility issues which is making a huge difference to passengers.

The approach that TfGM has taken with the DDRG is now recognised as a model of best practice by the Equality and Human Rights Commission.

Councillor Andrew Fender, Chairman of the TfGM Committee, said: “The Disability Design Reference Group’s work has helped us make Metrolink the most accessible form of transport in the region. I’m delighted to see their work recognised once again with this award.

“Their input to the delivery of our Future Metrolink programme has been invaluable. The group has given us crucial feedback on everything from the design of new tram stops through to the best positioning of handrails on stops and the seating layout on the trams.

“The result is a tram network that is not only fully accessible, but much easier to use for passengers with disabilities.”

Francis Salt, a Rochdale resident and DDRG group member since its inception in 2008, said: “The group has enabled us to communicate with the professionals involved in the design and construction of the extensions at the highest levels.

“It is a two-way process with the non-disabled contractors able to understand the different needs of a cross section of people’s access requirements.

“As a guide dog user, and a ‘senior’, it has been a learning curve for me having detailed plans explained to me and then experiencing the end result of our work by visiting all the new tram stops and inspecting the internal layout of the new trams.”

The DDRG has worked with TfGM across hundreds of activities while it delivers the expanded Metrolink system, including:

• The design of all of the 57 new stops being delivered as part of the £1.4 billion Metrolink expansion.
• The designs for 10 new park and ride sites.
• Upgrades to all 39 stops on the existing network – including Piccadilly, Deansgate-Castlefield, St Peter’s Square and Victoria.
• Modifications to the seating arrangements on the new M5000 trams.

The improvements the DDRG has influenced have ranged from the inclusion of additional safety rails to assist guide cane users, to the development of a comprehensive, network-wide Access Guide with maps to assist disabled people.

TfGM was also named as finalist in the ‘Accessible Communities’ category at the National Independent Living Awards.

Earlier this year, the DDRG picked up the ‘Best Customer Initiative’ award at the national Light Rail Awards.