We published our list of concrete proposals to improve accessibility in rail transport. The document aims to influence the ongoing revision of the TSI-PRM regulation, the law that sets minimum accessibility standards for trains and stations. TSI-PRM stands for technical specifications for interoperability relating to accessibility of the Union’s rail system.
We have been calling for such a revision for a long time, aware of the frustration many passengers have with trains and stations that are legally accessible according to these standards, but inaccessible in practice.
During the revision we will advocate for the following:
- Autonomous and independent travel: We will advocate for a revision that establishes ambitious level access obligations. This could be achieved by harmonising platform heights and reducing the allowed gap between the platform and the train. We are also open to exploring alternative solutions that achieve a similar outcome, such as partially raised platforms, gap fillers and bridging plates.
- Phasing out the use of external boarding devices as they don’t enable independent and spontaneous travel. Level access must become a reality. Meanwhile, built-in boarding devices should be prioritised over platform ramps and lifts.
- Removing exceptions for double-decker vehicles, which render them inaccessible for passengers with disabilities despite being formally compliant with the standards.
- Defining clear accessibility requirements for restaurant vehicles and sleeping compartments, ensuring that passengers with disabilities, including wheelchair users, can access them on an equal basis with others.
- Improving the accessibility of train stations by enhancing the signalling of platform edges and ends, strengthening the provision of visual information, further specifying the characteristics of platform seating facilities and improving the provision of handrails and ramps.
- Improve accessibility of rolling stock by updating the characteristics of interoperable wheelchairs to reflect actual wheelchair dimensions, improving design requirements for universal and standard toilets, requiring door-finding signals, improving internal circulation and clarifying the provision of audible and visual information on board.
- Strengthening the implementation and enforcement of the TSI-PRM by requiring Member States to make concrete progress under their National Implementation Plans including setting ambitious targets and clear timelines for the removal of existing barriers.
Next Steps
- We will prepare a list of amendments to the text, which will be submitted to and discussed at by the European Union Railways Agency.
- The European Union Railways Agency will prepare a proposal of revision of the TSI-PRM.
- The 27 Member States will adopt the proposal.
Contact
Daniel Casas, EDF’s Senior Accessibility Officer
More information
EDF proposals for the TSI – PRM revision (accessibility of railway system)