In this section;
1) Getting around By Road including;
PDF Bus Guide,
''key fob'' for visual impairment & learning disabilities,
2) Getting around By Rail including;
Refurbishments - Braille text ,
3) Getting around By Metro including;
Visual & audio aids (in all sections),
Emergency intercom,
1) Getting around By Road including;
PDF Bus Guide,
''key fob'' for visual impairment & learning disabilities,
2) Getting around By Rail including;
Refurbishments - Braille text ,
3) Getting around By Metro including;
Visual & audio aids (in all sections),
Emergency intercom,
By road
There are a few ways that one can travel by road that are accessible to those with a variety of disabilities.
These include;
These include;
- Ring and Ride,
- Easy Access Bus Services,
- Low Floor Accessible Bus Services,
- Wheelchair Accessible Bus Services,
- Taxis,
- Audio Real Time Information,
- Bus Showcase; buses accessible for almost all,
- Hackney Carriage Licensing Offices,
Ring and Ride is the main door-to-door accessible transport service operating throughout Birmingham and works 8am -11pm, 7 days a week. To qualify for Ring and Ride you must:
Ring and Ride also links up with transport organisations such as local trains, Metro and with the cross-boundary bus of another Ring and Ride operating area. This enables journeys to be completed from door-to-door across the West Midlands.. When travelling, users can take a companion with them provided they are booked in advanced. Users may also take dependant children with them. The service uses mini buses with ramps or lifts, so that people who use wheelchairs or finds steps difficult can use the bus. Concessionary pass holders can travel free or at half prices. Network and other passes can also be used. Non-pass holders pay fares equivalent to those charged on other local bus services in the areas. Dependant children over 5 yrs without passes normally pay half fare. A companion either pays a fare or if they hold a NWM pass, it will be accepted in full or part payment. Further information is available on audio-tape, large print, leaflets and in other languages. Tel: 0121 333 3107 Email: [email protected] web: www.ringandride.org or www.wmsnt.org Taxis and Private Hire Cars can be booked in advanced, and offer a door-to-door style of transport. Private Hire Cares are ordinary saloon, estate cars, or specially converted wheelchair accessible vehicles, which are licensed by the Local Authority to carry passengers who book their journey in advanced. Taxis (Hackney carriages) are black cabs, depending on the area and operator. Note that that Hackney Carriages are the only type of vehicle that can be flagged down in the street without any prior booking. Accessible black cabs have more space and are fitted with ramps to allow wheelchair access, bright colour contrasting handrails and other access features. DDA regulations require drivers of Taxis and Private Hire Vehicles (PHV) to carry Assistance Dogs accompanying disabled people at no extra charge. PHV operators have a duty to accept bookings for journeys that will involve a disabled person travelling with their dog. There are a number of companies offering an accessible taxi service in the West Midland licensed by local District Council. For further information on taxi operators in your area, contact your local Hackney Carriage Licensing Office at the address shown, or contact the operators direct. Birmingham City Council Licensing Section Crystal Court, Aston Cross Business Park, 50 Rocky Lane, Aston, Birmingham, B6 5RQ Tel: 0121 303 8442 Email: [email protected] | Use of accessible buses across West Midlands and Centro bus networks is well promoted. The Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee has established design standards for buses to meet the Disability Discrimination Action (DDA) Accessibility Regulations and almost three quarters of all buses in the West Midlands now conform to these standards. All new single and double deck buses and coaches brought into service must be accessible to disabled people. In the West Midlands over 70% of all buses are now low floor accessible, designed for easy access for disabled people, parents with pushchairs and buggies.The main access features of low floor buses are;
Network West Midlands provides Real Time information. This is displayed electronically at a number of major bus stops and main along main routes. Providing details of the next buses to call at the stop, including the service number, destination, and time of arrival. For people with a visual impairment or learning disabilities, a small ''key fob'' device can be provided, these can be used to activate an audio voice message providing the same information. If you feel you may be eligible for a 'key fob' contact: Centro-WMPTA Centro House, 16 Summer Lane, Birmingham, B19 3SD Tel: 0121 214 7125 Email: [email protected] Bus showcase services are designed to improve the quality of all aspects of bus travel, and have a number of features that make travel by bus easier for everybody. As well as accessible low floor buses, they include accessible well lit passenger easy access kerbs, improved passenger information and real time audio and visual information. The drivers are trained in customer care and disability awareness. Currently Bus Showcase services are; 9/139, 11, 33, 50, 67, 96/97, 311, 404, 503, 171/301/559/560,529 and in Coventry routes 4, 20, 32/33, 34. A number of operators have wheelchair accessible vehicles for hire, and some of these are listed below. Protours 2 Ryder Close, Swadlincote, Derbyshire, De11 9EU Tel: 01283 217012 Amber Mobility Metro Depot, Yard 2, Unit 4A Pool Road, Industrial Estate, Nuneaton, Warwickshire, CV10 9AE, Tel: 02476 375858 |
By Rail
Station and train becoming more accessible, Accessible waiting facilities have recently been provided at Five Ways, Bournville, Blake Street and Erdington, as well as step-free access to the booking offices at Fours Oaks, Yardleys Wood and Rowley Regis stations.
New automatic audio announcement systems have been installed at 25 stations which provide details of the next train to arrive at the station.
New automatic audio announcement systems have been installed at 25 stations which provide details of the next train to arrive at the station.
The accessibility of rail stations varies, it's therefore recommended you plan your journey in advanced and use the stations best equipped and staffed to meet your needs. If you think you may need assistance at a station or on the train, let the train operators know you are coming. They are happy to assist, but prefer advance notice to ensure the staff are available. If you need extra assistance to help you make your journey, contact National Rail Enquiries; 08457 484950. Alternatively, for London Midland local services; 0845 602 4277. Where the London Midland station of choice is not accessible, a suitable alternative station will be recommended. If no alternative station exists within a reasonable distance, London Midland may be able to provide a Taxi at no extra cost to the passenger. On many longer distance trains, if you are a wheelchair user you will be able to travel provided you book in advanced with the train operating company. A member of tail staff will provide an access ramp to enable yo to board an alight. In Standard Class, there is space to accommodate wheelchairs and powered wheelchairs up to width of 670mm and length of 1200mm. It is recommended that you make a reservation in advanced to make sure a space is available on the journey you wish to undertake. If you are disabled you can reserve a seat closest to the doorway and toilets. On newer trains there will be an emergency intercom. Most trains have automatically opening intercom doors, and audio and visual announcements are made about approaching stations and services. Many long distance trains now have wheelchair accessible toilets on board and a catering service, which is provided by the train company, should be provided at your seat if you cant get to the buffet. For long distance rail journeys contact the National Rail Enquiries 24 hours Service Tel: 0845 748 4950 Minicom: 0845 60 50 600 Web: www.natinalrail.co.uk | Trains operated on local services allow are fairly accessible. While they do have gaps between the platform and a step you have to reach up to board the train, a member of rail staff will provide an access ramp to enable you to board. Trains have push button operated powered sliding doors, flat wider entrances, good internal lighting and handy grab rails. Refurbishing of ''Sprinter'' trains used on routes between Birmingham and Stratford Upon Avon, Leamington Spa, and Worcester will include new door openings and closing buttons that will have Braille text and colour contrasting and tactile surrounds. New 'Desiro' trains on the Birmingham - Coventry line have been introduced which are accessible and meet the requirements of DDA Rail Vehicle Accessibility Regulations. Featuring; audio & visual announcements, wheelchair accessible toilets and priority seats for the disabled. London Midlands Information for Disabled Passengers London Midland Produces a leaflet that is also available in accessible formates entitled 'Travel Information for Disabled Passengers' that sets ut how the company assists disabled passengers to use their stations and trains. For a copy, contact; London Midland, CUstomer Relatotions, PO Box 4323, Birmingham, B2 4JB, Tel:0121 634 2040 Email: [email protected] Rail Map for People with Reduced Mobility This have been produced by National Rail and shows the basic access information for all rail stations across the UK. To request a free copy, send your name and full postal address to: People with Reduced Mobility Map (PRM) Disability and Inclusion, 3rd Floor, 40 Bernard Street, London, WC1N 1BY, Email: [email protected] |
By Metro
Trams, designed to be modern, light rail systems, enable level access for people with disabilities and people with pushchairs and buggies.
The first line of the service; Line 1, provides a fast link between Snow Hill Station in Birmingham City Centre and Wolverhamptom City Centre via West Bromwich, Wednesbury, and Bilston, and is fully accessible.
The first line of the service; Line 1, provides a fast link between Snow Hill Station in Birmingham City Centre and Wolverhamptom City Centre via West Bromwich, Wednesbury, and Bilston, and is fully accessible.
| All 23 stops along the route have been designed to be fully accessible, with level, ramped or lift access to all platforms. Handrails are provided where required. There are no permanent staff presence at stops. Every tram stop has the following features:
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Times
The tram stops at every stop on the route. The Service operates between 6.30am -11.30pm Mon-Sat, and on Sunday; 8am-11pm.
The service is frequent at every 8 minutes from 7am-7pm Mon-Sat and around 10-12 minutes at any other time.
Tickets
A range of Network West Midlands ticket options are available tor use on the Metro, including free travel for concessionary pass holders after 9.30am weekdays and all weekend.
Tickets or passes marked Metro Add On or Metrocard may be used on the Metro. If in doubt, check their validity with a ticket issuer before purchase. Rail/Bus transfer tickets are also available to allow you to use both trains and buses within the West Midlands.
Finally, cash fares can also be paid to the Customer Service Representative on the tram.
The tram stops at every stop on the route. The Service operates between 6.30am -11.30pm Mon-Sat, and on Sunday; 8am-11pm.
The service is frequent at every 8 minutes from 7am-7pm Mon-Sat and around 10-12 minutes at any other time.
Tickets
A range of Network West Midlands ticket options are available tor use on the Metro, including free travel for concessionary pass holders after 9.30am weekdays and all weekend.
Tickets or passes marked Metro Add On or Metrocard may be used on the Metro. If in doubt, check their validity with a ticket issuer before purchase. Rail/Bus transfer tickets are also available to allow you to use both trains and buses within the West Midlands.
Finally, cash fares can also be paid to the Customer Service Representative on the tram.