New guides aim to improve station accessibility

East Midlands Railway has introduced new station guides designed to make information clearer and more accessible for passengers of all abilities.

The train operator, which is operated by Transport UK, is the first official Symbol-Friendly operator in the UK and worked with visual communication experts, Widgit Software, to create the guides.

They use simple language alongside clear, recognisable Widgit Symbols to support understanding and confidence when travelling.

With Widgit, each symbol represents a word or concept that can be put together to create a visual sign or sentence, allowing individuals to navigate their way around a station more easily or ask for help.

Philippa Cresswell, EMR’s customer experience director, said: “We want rail travel to be accessible and welcoming for everyone.

“These new Symbol-Friendly Station Guides are a practical step forward, helping customers better understand our stations and travel with greater confidence.”