New contactless system introduced for train tickets, but campaigners call for more accessibility
Train stations across Kent are set to see a new tap-in and tap-out system introduced later this month, designed to make rail travel easier and more simple.
However, one disabled man from Strood in Medway tells us there's far more that could be done.
Mahima Abedin reports.
However, one disabled man from Strood in Medway tells us there's far more that could be done.
Mahima Abedin reports.
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00:00The dread of running late for a train and then remembering you have to print off your ticket is something that affects us all.
00:07But for Jason in Medway, who lives with a disability, it's more than just that.
00:12He suffers from functional neurological disorder.
00:15That means he often experiences movement problems and printing off a ticket can add that extra bit of stress to his journey.
00:22But with a new contactless payment system being introduced across some stations in Kent, he says it could make his travel easier.
00:29It does benefit me in a few ways because of my mobility and my handling of cards as such.
00:37I find it a bit of an issue to carry a lot of things around with me.
00:41I'm wanting myself to do functions and my body doesn't do it all the time.
00:46I generally just like would prefer a quick and easy method for me in order for me to get through the gates and that could be one of the ways for me to help me out.
00:57There's six stations across Kent that will have this new tap in and tap out payment system introduced.
01:03That means that commuters will no longer have to wait to print off their ticket in order to get to their next destination.
01:09But those stations are all located around the Sevenoaks area.
01:12Although this scheme will benefit Jason, he asks for more to be done to make travel accessible for all.
01:19For disabled people, we do need to have a better system in the public service in order to help us out.
01:26Whether it's the little things too, paying for something, the process is sometimes too much for us.
01:33We need something that will help us.
01:35For me, we need that part of the process to be made a lot easier than what it is.
01:41But it's not just Jason who's calling for change.
01:44Disability Assist is a charity that supports people with disabilities in Kent live more independent lives
01:50and is urging for the system to be introduced across all stations in the area.
01:55I think all stations need to have this available.
01:58Why can't we have it here in the UK where when the train pulls up, it's level with the platform.
02:07We wouldn't need any help at all.
02:09Let's have more people on at the train stations ready to assist disabled people.
02:15In a statement, a spokesperson from the Department for Transport said,
02:27The tap-in and tap-out system will come into effect from the 22nd of September
02:31and while it will help make travel for those living with a disability like Jason that little bit easier,
02:37he says there's still improvements to be made.
02:40Mahima Abedin for KMTV.