Mobility scooter users given greater freedom on Northern trains

Mobility scooter users can now explore more of the north by rail thanks to Northern.

Scooter users will be able to travel to and from more than 100 stations across the Northern network as a new accessibility scheme is introduced.  

After a successful trial, a new scooter permit scheme has been rolled out across more than 21 routes and at a total of 140 stations along the network.  

Passengers can apply for a permit and their scooter will be assessed to ensure they are safe to be carried on board.  

Each user will be given a personalised sticker that will be easily identified and be placed on the pre-assessed vehicle. This will be accompanied by a card that can be carried by customers if they use scooters that don’t have a suitable place to display the sticker. 

Maxine Myers, Accessibility Improvement Manager, at Northern said: “More than 21 routes across our network are now scooter friendly - and more will be rolled out in the near future as we continue to make our trains and stations as accessible as possible for our passengers. 

“We have been working with members of the Northern Trains Accessibility User Group to create a phased introduction of routes and stations where Northern can accommodate scooter users. 

“Anyone who wants to bring their scooters on our trains should apply for a permit first so we can check it meets the standards that make it safe for us to take it on-board.” 

Application forms for scooter permits can be completed online here.

Chris Jackson, Regional Director at Northern said: ““We are committed to giving people with additional mobility needs the confidence to travel by rail. 

“The mobility scooter scheme is an example of this commitment and we’ll be looking to deliver improved accessibility across our network as we roll out similar improvements at other stations in the future.”