Stakeholder Equality Group member speaks to us on how he is helping achieve an autism-friendly railway.
Thomas Case is a member of our Stakeholder Equality Group (SEG) which was established to allow members with a range of experiences, backgrounds, and expertise to help us break down barriers for passengers with disabilities.
Speaking of his own experiences as a passenger and a member of the SEG, Thomas, who has autism, reveals all on what made him join the group and what his hopes are for accessibility across the rail industry.
Joining the SEG
“I joined the SEG back in May 2021. Trains have always been a huge hobby of mine, and as I'm autistic, I was really keen to become a member of the group and help drive change in the industry.
“I believe I have the potential to shake things up and inform the transformation. My overall vision, and something I hope to achieve, is an autistic-friendly rail operating company, where all staff – including those at stations and on trains – have autism training and a better understanding of autism and how best to communicate with autistic people. I'm also focused on promoting autistic-friendly railways.
Accessibility at London Northwestern Railway
“I think accessibility at London Northwestern Railway is fantastic. Since I joined the SEG, I have been going to the meetings and have seen huge amounts of change. I love that they really take on board feedback when we meet up and are actually making the adjustments we discuss. One thing I am really proud of is helping to develop London Northwestern Railway's Accessibility Matters training, which 94% of staff have already completed. The training covers a whole host of issues surrounding accessibility, including autism-friendly topics.
“After my last meeting, I actually got in touch with Andy Street, the Mayor of the West Midlands, who is keen to support autism-friendly stations and bring in the infrastructure to promote inclusion and diversity within the rail industry.”
Travelling with London Northwestern Railway
“During the pandemic, it has been really hard for me to travel on the trains. But as I am a member of the SEG, London Northwestern Railway provides me and a companion with complimentary travel, so I can start enjoying journeys again. Whenever I travel with London Northwestern Railway, or West Midlands Railway, I feedback to the accessibility manager with any changes or improvements I think should be made. And so far, the projects have all been going really well.
“The main changes that are being made are currently still in development. For example, stations across the network are being, or have been, upgraded – such as Perry Barr, Wolverhampton, and Coventry. A lot of stations throughout the country are quite hard to navigate. Sometimes there are no walkways or lifts, which can make the stations quite inaccessible. London Northwestern Railway is currently working to change that.
“The Commonwealth Games in Birmingham is just a few months away, so we are also placing a lot of focus on the upcoming Games, and what measures we will put in place for people with disabilities who want to travel and experience the Games live.”
A diverse workforce
“One of the key things I am currently focusing on with London Northwestern Railway is having a diverse workforce – one that understands inclusion. It is really important that companies employ people with disabilities, that have had those lived experiences, which can then be used to make positive change. I am really pleased that this is something London Northwestern Railway is keen to achieve.”
Improvements
“I have seen many improvements to accessibility across the London Northwestern Railway (and West Midlands Railways) network, such as all the station upgrades. The biggest transformation is becoming autism-friendly – which we are working on together at the moment.
“The SEG is so important in making these changes. Senior staff, such as directors, come to the meeting – and they’re there to listen and always take our views and thoughts into consideration. That’s one really great thing about London Northwestern Railway, they are keen to listen to feedback to make positive change and will actually do what they say they will.”
How can you get involved?
If you are interested in helping make our railways more accessible, you can apply to become a Stakeholder Equality Group member.