A HERITAGE railway in North Yorkshire has launched accessible ‘fuss-free’ carriages to help make the attraction accessible to all passengers.
The North Yorkshire Moors Railway (NYMR) has announced the competition of four new carriages to ensure that all trains in service will contain a coach that has been adapted for wheelchair users.
These ‘fuss-free’ carriages all have access ramps, accessible toilets, and an accessible space to accommodate wheelchair users.
The work was funded by Yorkshire’s Magnificent Journey (YMJ) project – a £10 million project by NMR to ensure future generations continue to enjoy the 180-year-old railway.
In addition to the new carriages, the NYMR has completed a full review of its access points and facilities.
Significant upgrades and changes include large print and braille menus and accessible route maps for Pickering Station; installing fixed and portable hearing loops; free travel for carers; accessible parking spaces; as well additional signage at its stations.
The heritage railway has also updated its website, introducing new ‘access champions’, put its staff through access training and introduced downloadable station guides.
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Laura Strangeway, director of corporate services and deputy CEO at NYMR, said: “The introduction of our four new coaches means that now everyone can experience and enjoy the 24 miles of stunning scenery that our railway offers.
“We wouldn’t have been able to complete these important adjustments without the funding and support from key partnerships, and the hard work and dedication of our volunteers, staff and loyal NYMR visitors.”
Last year, the NYMR announced its involvement with ‘The North York Moors Accessibility Project’, an initiative to help the region’s tourism bounce back from the pandemic, funded by Visit England.
The heritage railway has also secured section 106 funding from the North York Moors National Park with the help of Visit England to equip the railway with a host of useful equipment - from portable hearing loops to large-handled cutlery, toilet raisers to magnifiers.
NYMR reopened its doors this week to passengers for the season, and is also celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.
For more information about NYMR visit, www.nymr.co.uk
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