Here is the letter that Dave Tilley wrote.

Assistance for Disabled People

On four occasions this year I have tried to arrange help to get from a mainline train to one of the Underground platforms. On every occasion I am collected and either assisted or wheeled to the underground barrier and then the helper leaves me as "they are not allowed onto Underground premises". I then have to struggle on crutches or in my chair to a platform. Asked twice for assistance and none forthcoming.

Likewise when I make the return journey the same happens. No assistance from platform until I get to Kings Cross Helpdesk.

I enjoyed my occasional trips to London to see friends, but I am seriously considering no longer bothering.

Why not allow Network Rail staff to escort to the platform, or at least provide help via a help-point?

This is a very valid point and one which deserves airing - let's hope we get a satisfactory outcome.

Hi Dave,

I expect you already know about Transport for All, but I mention them in case you don't (and for other visitors to your FixMyTransport page who might find it helpful).

They work for "a fully accessible, reliable and affordable transport network for disabled and older Londoners". I suggest you drop them a line to see if they can offer any advice about this issue.

I've drafted an email for you, but you should feel free to edit or overwrite it - or ignore it completely, of course!

Good luck!

Myf Nixon

Hello Dave,

I've looked at the Network Rail website, but it says that any issues regarding station staff should be directed to the relevant train operators. I'll gladly forward your message on, if you would like to let me know which operators are the ones in question.

Thanks for the response from Oslen Small.

However, it just demonstrates to me the lack of joined -up thinking that currently blights transport. in this country,

While I appreciate the response, I feel a bit frustrated about the comment referring me to "National Rail about their policy". That just smacks to me of "not my fault, guv", and just demonstrates an ultimate lack of care about the people who ultimately invest in the network, the passengers.

The rail staff could not have been more helpful at Kings Cross, it was the Underground staff /policy / lack of assistance that was the problem, How can Network Rail be to blame when they say they are not allowed onto Underground premises to escort passengers?

One of the problems with one of my visits was that I was usiing my crutches and not in my wheelchair and had a case and bag to cope with as well.

I used the accessible Tube map to help me with my journey, and had to adapt my destination because of the lack of a passenger lift at the station I was going to.

While I appreciate the response, I am afraid it doesn't ultimately answer my problem, nor does it make me feel any better about trying to come to London. I have to travel down in a few weeks' time and am seriously thinking of providing my friends with train tickets to come and visit me in Yorkshire instead. It may be easier.

That is a great shame, Dave.
If you would like to send these further thoughts to TfL, I think you should do so - you can email them via the button at the top of this page.

In California, cyclists using Caltrain use a Biketrain hashtag which retweets through a bot to send information and requests for same - eg bike spaces available on this train/are there spaces available? It strikes me that twitter and SMS messaging could provide an immediacy lacking in the current system.

Virgin for example seem to have twitter accounts for each station in addition to the central one. Thus one might enquire from @VTRugby I am arriving on xx.yy train from EUS to LAN in Coach B can you confirm assistance for wheelchair user? I can roll to door.

Could this be developed further?

BTW I believe the breaking of the Circle Line has seriously reduced the accessibility of the Tube subsurface lines, and the 'wrong platform' detailat Edgware Road could leave you stuck until a suitable train arrives at your platform

Naughty but I've been temptede to have a tabard to wear over my outer jacket when cycling that reads "Warning May Explode (with rage) On Impact".

Perhaps for those times you are dumped/ignored a small stiffened flag to unfurl anf fly over your wheel chair or slip into a shoulder 'holster' "If I was a Suspect Package I'd at least get some staff attention"

Good points well made, Dave. Actually, having 'Accessibility Champions' that can assist people between transport modes was a recommendation that the London Assembly Transport Committee put to the Mayor in their accessibility report last November.

Why not put these points straight to the Mayor, as he's currently consulting on TfL's Accessibility Plan? http://www.transportforall.org.uk/news/mayor-s-transport-strategy-accessibility-implementation-plan

Hello Dave

My name is Toby, I'm doing a project, aimed at improving Journeys for people with disabilities. I'm supported by Shift.ms, a social networking site for people with MS.

I read about your frustration on about the lack of assistance form the Tube staff. From my hearing, it seems to be the Tube administration that fails to provide an accessible service and something needs to be done about that!

I've done a number of interviews already, with people who have issues with mobility in London and am putting a book together compiling these. Perhaps we should join forces and present our case to The Mayor?

If you'r interested, please contact me on toby.melvillebrown@gmail.com

Look forward to hearing from you,

Toby

Hi Toby,
Great to see your comment. Please drop us a line via our 'feedback' button at the top of the page if you'd like to be pointed to some of the other accessibility problems we've had reported on FMT.

I have visited the RNIB (Royal National Institute for the Blind) at Judd Street WC1H 9NE several times recently. To get there I arrive by tube at Kings Cross.

I have found it difficult to find my way there and I have no visual impairment.

I don't understand why directions to such an important building are not marked up. Ideally I guess there would be a painted line all the way there but just being able to find where to cross the road would be a start!