London Euston has become the first UK railway station to improve passenger accessibility and inclusion by providing the latest information using British Sign Language, reported Network Rail.
In a railway first, Euston will provide passengers with signed information as situations evolve or during periods of unexpected disruption. Messaging can be turned into British sign language, within an hour; and uploaded directly to the screens using 4G technology.
Ten passenger information touch screens went live around the major Network Rail managed transport hub from yesterday (Wednesday 2 June). A further 10 will be installed by the end of 2021; and an additional large screen will soon be unveiled beside the arrival and departure boards on the main concourse, confirmed Network Rail.
“We understand that rail travel can be daunting for anyone with specific needs; and we’re always looking at ways we can improve accessibility so everyone can travel with confidence,” stated Loraine Martins, Director of Diversity and Inclusion of Network Rail. “We’re really excited to have these screens installed and in action, to see the real difference they will make for passengers who use British Sign Language. Euston station is proud to be leading the way; and I look forward to a time in the not too distant future when screens like these will be the norm on the railway and not an exception.”
MAKING TRAVEL INCLUSIVE
Network Rail has invested in total £1.1m to develop the software needed and install the British Sign Language screens at Euston station. The touch screens have been developed in partnership with Cambridgeshire-based British Sign Language firm Clarion UK and Nottingham-based screen manufacturer LB Foster.
“Delivering services for Sign Language users in ways that are innovative, clear and coherent is a really big deal for our team. We are incredibly proud to be bringing language to life at Euston,” commented Sally Chalk, CEO of Clarion UK.
Network Rail aims to roll out British Sign Language screens to its other stations across the country. “Adding British Sign Language interpretation into the system is a huge step forward in making operational information more accessible,” stated Graham Kett, Technical Operations Manager at LB Foster. “This is functionality we want to roll out to more stations and in more use cases. Simply put, all key messages being put out in written text or audio can fall into the scope of this system; which will make using the rail network more inclusive for more people.”
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