Assisted Travel
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Note: High Speed Train refurbishment
First Great Western High Speed Trains have been undergoing refurbishment, which has now been completed.
The refurbishment has delivered significant improvements to the disabled facilities such as extra wheelchair space in C, improved accessible toilets facilities, priority seatings and improved signage.
Disabled People's Protection Policy
Our Disabled People's Protection Policy provides information on the services we provide to people requiring assistance when they travel by train. A brief summary of what is included in the policy is given below.
Please click here to download the policy.
Download an Easy Read Version of this policy.
Please click here to download the policy in Welsh
Alternatively you can view each chapter by clicking on them below.
The Greater Western franchise is operated by First Group.
The franchise covers a large geographical area, including:
- High speed services from London Paddington to South Wales and the western most tip of Cornwall;
- Suburban services from London Paddington to Reading and Newbury, services via Oxford and the Cotswolds to Hereford and Worcester and over the North Downs between Reading and Gatwick Airport.
- Regional services throughout the South West and also into south Wales.
We operate over 1500 train services a day and manage 210 stations. This Disabled People’s Protection Policy (DPPP) sets out the policies and procedures we will follow in order to improve accessibility for our disabled customers on First Great Western train services and stations.
The Policy has been developed following the guidelines defined within the “Guidance on Disabled People’s Protection Policies” first issued by the Strategic Rail Authority in April 2002 and will be reviewed annually. We will consult with the Department for Transport and Passenger Focus prior to making any material changes to the document.
Our Disabled People’s Protection Policy is available at all our staffed station offices or from:
Customer Services Team
FREEPOST SWB40576
Plymouth PL4 6ZZ
E-mail: fgwfeedback@firstgroup.com
Telephone: 08457 000 125
The Statement of Policy is also available in several alternative formats including large print, Braille and audio recording.
Rail Travel Made Easy
The train companies that operate the National Rail network welcome disabled travellers and the Association of Train Operating Companies (ATOC) have produced a guide on behalf of the train companies. This guide can be viewed at the Disabled Persons Railcard website, or copies can be obtained from most staffed stations, Citizens Advice Bureaux and some libraries.
The Disabled Persons Railcard
This railcard enables the user to get a 1/3 off standard class tickets on local and national travel. The railcards can be purchased for £18 from stations, online and by phone. For more information on eligitability and to apply for this rail card, you can visit the Disabled Persons Railcard Website by clicking here.
First Great Western is currently working in partnership with Devon County Council to trial a new scheme, the Devon Access Wallet, on all of its train services.
The scheme has been developed to help make travelling by train easier for anyone with communication difficulties, people with disabilities, deaf people and those whose first language is not English.
Further information about the scheme and how it works can be found at: www.devon.gov.uk/devonaccesswallet
If you would like an access wallet please write to:
John Blackler
Mobility and Inclusion Manager
First Great Western
D400 Macmillan House
Platform 1
Paddington Station
London
W2 1HF
Live Departure Boards
Uses latest train information provided by National Rail Enquiries.
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