Trains to be made more accessible for elderly and disabled
Community groups can bid for up grants of up to £50,000 from Northern.
A quarter of a million pounds is going to be spent improving access to trains and stations for older and disabled people in Harrogate and the Dales.
Train company Northern is calling on community groups to share ideas to transform the network.
Groups can bid for up grants of up to £50,000 - to make accessibility improvements.
The Accessibility Fund opened to applicants on 1 February.
It’s a first for the UK rail industry as the fund will be led by the independent Northern Accessibility User Group (NAUG) and supported by Northern.
NAUG spokesperson, James Martin, said: “Everyone has the right to travel independently, and we are delighted that our pan disability group will lead the Accessibility Fund to make Northern stations and services more accessible for everyone.
“We are pleased with the commitment Northern has shown to support the fund, which will benefit many communities across the North.”
Ideas could include innovations that make train travel simpler and easier, raise awareness of rail services or encourage people to travel for the first time by train.
Other applications could include how information is presented at stations or the facilities provided.
Mark Powles Commercial & Customer Director, at Northern said: “We are dedicated to making Northern’s services accessible to everyone, and to playing a role in improving the communities along our routes. We want to hear suggestions for how we can continue to do this.
“I am happy to announce the opening of the Accessibility Fund, which will consider a wide range of proposals involving our trains and stations and will have a positive impact for the north.”