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Mookiemoo
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« on: March 16, 2014, 17:43:31 » |
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Taunton
Plymouth
Penzance
I'm thinking of taking my mom on a day trip on Easter Saturday. Problem is she's somewhat mobility impaired (arthritis every where and awaiting new hip - shame they can't give her a new spine as well)
anyway, She'd handle the step at say Paddington but the step at Bristol Platform 13 / 3 for example would give her some issues
I'm wondering whether or not to plan it but book assistance or just wing it
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Ditched former sig - now I need to think of something amusing - brain hurts -I'll steal from the master himself - Einstein:
"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the the universe."
"Gravitation is not responsible for people falling in love"
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Chris from Nailsea
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« Reply #1 on: March 16, 2014, 18:23:21 » |
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I'd encourage you to plan your excursion, and book assistance with First Great Western beforehand: see http://www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk/Your-journey/Assisted-travel  |
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William Huskisson MP▸ was the first person to be killed by a train while crossing the tracks, in 1830. Many more have died in the same way since then. Don't take a chance: stop, look, listen.
"Level crossings are safe, unless they are used in an unsafe manner." Discuss.
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Mookiemoo
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« Reply #2 on: March 16, 2014, 19:31:54 » |
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Well you see I was trying to keep flexibility if possible.....
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Ditched former sig - now I need to think of something amusing - brain hurts -I'll steal from the master himself - Einstein:
"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the the universe."
"Gravitation is not responsible for people falling in love"
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Chris from Nailsea
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« Reply #3 on: March 16, 2014, 19:52:36 » |
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... in which case, I'd suggest that the curved platforms at Bristol Temple Meads offer perhaps unusual challenges: Taunton's straight platforms, for example, should offer rather easier access to First Class HST▸ carriages.  |
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William Huskisson MP▸ was the first person to be killed by a train while crossing the tracks, in 1830. Many more have died in the same way since then. Don't take a chance: stop, look, listen.
"Level crossings are safe, unless they are used in an unsafe manner." Discuss.
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JayMac
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« Reply #4 on: March 16, 2014, 20:52:10 » |
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When travelling from one staffed station to another assistance doesn't have to be booked in advance. Although it's recommended.
You can ask at your departing station for help boarding. Perhaps with use of a ramp to walk up. With sufficient time, you can ask staff at the departing station to call ahead to arrange help on arrival. And/or, on board, you can ask the Train Manager to arrange for help at the destination, again a ramp should be available.
Just ensure you arrive in plenty of time for the services you eventually decide to catch. Five minutes before departure and its unlikely you'll have any joy. 15-20 minutes should suffice.
At Paddington, head for the Network Rail Assistance office on Platform 1. At all other staffed stations, just asked a member of staff.
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"A clear conscience laughs at a false accusation."
"Treat everyone the same until you find out they're an idiot."
"Moral indignation is a technique used to endow the idiot with dignity."
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broadgage
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« Reply #5 on: March 17, 2014, 08:47:35 » |
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The gap at Taunton seems minimal, have not measured it but found no problems even when gout is bad, Paddington ditto.
Plymouth do not know.
Might be best to ask for assistance though in case. The wheelchair ramp is useful not just for wheelchairs but also for those who can walk, but not very well due to say arthritis.
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A proper intercity train has a minimum of 8 coaches, gangwayed throughout, with first at one end, and a full sized buffet car between first and standard.
It has space for cycles, surfboards,luggage etc.
A 5 car DMU▸ is not a proper inter-city train. The 5+5 and 9 car DMUs are almost as bad.
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thetrout
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« Reply #7 on: March 17, 2014, 17:24:09 » |
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If the train is in reverse formation then Bath Spa is a complete non starter.
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Tim
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« Reply #8 on: March 17, 2014, 19:36:29 » |
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If you don't want to plan ahead do not be afraid to ask station and on train staff for help (a fully charged mobile phone with FGW▸ 's number in it would be useful also).
If I were a Guard, I'd rather have to make some last minute phone calls to sort something like a ramp out for a passenger than have a passenger struggle and at best delay my train and at worse have an accident.
I think you ought to be OK at the stations you mention. It is the curved platforms that are the real problem. But even at places like Bath platform 1 where there is a big gap it is far worse in some places than others. Platform staff should be able to tell you were to stand for the smallest gap.
You have my sympathy. I know an orchestral musician who affectionately (I think) refers to her mum as "the harp" because she is unforgiving and difficult to get into and out of a car.
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