A new trial is set to enhance the travel experience for blind passengers in West Yorkshire. Publicly-owned train operators, in collaboration with West Yorkshire Combined Authority and Network Rail, are testing a new approach to make it easier for individuals with a blind person’s travel pass to use automated ticket gates at regional stations.
Currently, blind passengers holding an English National Concessionary Travel Scheme (ENCTS) pass can travel for free on LNER, Northern, and TransPennine Express services, but they have faced challenges with automated ticket gates. Instead of passing through barriers independently, they have had to seek assistance from station staff.
This trial aims to address that issue. Ten participants will receive a temporary West Yorkshire travel pass (MCard) to access automated ticket gates without requiring staff support. The initiative, which is based on feedback from blind passengers, runs for three months starting from 1 July, at key stations including Bradford Interchange, Huddersfield, Leeds, and Wakefield Westgate.
The trial is designed to provide blind passengers with greater independence while maintaining support from station staff for those who need it. The hope is that this trial will lead to permanent changes, allowing blind passengers more control over their travel experience.
