Taking a wheelchair on a train

[whole diary]

[Eliza]

In a dormant topic, grahame had clarified that wheelchairs can be taken on trains:

"Wheelchairs:  Disabled wheelchairs are allowed, but there are limits when it comes to self propelled disability chairs - largely due to the risk of them tipping over / being unable to be loaded. Rules vary by train company and station - please check."

I was wondering about taking a folded, transit wheelchair (with small wheels) but where would it be stowed on a GWR^▸ (Great Western Railway) high speed train or Cross Country voyager?  We don't need, and wouldn't want to deprive anyone of, the designated wheelchair space. 

[plymothian]

If folded, you store it like any other piece of luggage.

Carriage D of voyagers have large luggage storage space, and the wheelchair area carriage C of GWR^▸ (Great Western Railway) HST^▸ (High Speed Train) would be most appropriate, as there would still be room for an unfolded wheelchair.

[Eliza]

Thank you, plymothian.  I have once been on coach D on a voyager and seen that large luggage area.  It doesn't appeal, being outside the carriage in the vestibule, but beggars can't be choosers!

[plymothian]

At least it is covered by CCTV^▸ (Closed Circuit Tele Vision), unlike HSTs^▸ (High Speed Train).

[Eliza]

I didn't know about CCTV^▸ (Closed Circuit Tele Vision).

Although plymothian has given me two solutions to the problem, I wonder whether it is in general practical to take bulky luggage, such as a folded baby buggy or wheelchair, on to a train, notwithstanding the advice that such items should be placed on the luggage rack.  It can be challenging to find a space for a small suitcase.

I had hoped that readers, drawing on their experience, would say that "the helpful chap at GWR^▸ (Great Western Railway) will put your chair in the guard's van - and get it out at the other end".  In my dreams, obviously!

So as not to appear a cheapskate, I might add that when spending a few nights away from home, I have hired a wheelchair locally, but it's too expensive an option for a day out.

[ChrisB]

If you book assisted travel, station staff will help you load/unload your wheelchair & ensure its stowed where it ought to be

[Eliza]

Perhaps that is the strategy, ChrisB - request assistance with luggage and not be specific, unless asked.  When I have previously enquired of Passenger Assistance about taking a folded wheelchair on board, I have been directed towards the wheelchair space, which is not needed, as my husband is ambulant.

Now how to book an advance ticket AND guarantee good weather........?

[Penzance-Paddington]

I was wondering about taking a folded, transit wheelchair (with small wheels) but where would it be stowed on a GWR^▸ (Great Western Railway) high speed train or Cross Country voyager?  We don't need, and wouldn't want to deprive anyone of, the designated wheelchair space. 

Wheelchair users, using this kind of chair, can travel in the designated wheelchair spaces. However, it is advisory to make a reservation. A good way to book assistance is either via the GWR website or via Passenger Assist.

www.passenger-assist.org




Edit note: Quote marks fixed, for clarity. CfN.

[Brucey]

via Passenger Assist.



www.passenger-assist.org

The website is asking for a username and password.  Does not seem to be a clear way of getting to a public form.

[JayMac]

Correct link:

http://www.disabledpersons-railcard.co.uk/travel-assistance/

[Chris from Nailsea]

Thanks for that useful clarification, bignosemac.

[Eliza]

Wheelchair users, using this kind of chair, can travel in the designated wheelchair spaces. However, it is advisory to make a reservation. A good way to book assistance is either via the GWR^▸ (Great Western Railway) website or via Passenger Assist.

www.passenger-assist.org

Thank you Penzance-Paddington for taking an interest.  (Not sure if I hit the quote button correctly to reply to P-P but my intention was good.)




Edit note: Quote marks fixed, for clarity. You were almost there, Eliza: any quote simply needs an open '[ quote ]' and a close '[ /quote ]' (without the spaces). CfN.

[Eliza]

A follow-up to my question about taking a folded wheelchair on to a train (was it feasible?).  I did so this week between Taunton and Bristol Templemeads and return.  The pre-booked assistance worked perfectly and the chair and our suitcase were carried on and off the train.  Fortunately neither train was too busy and there was a place in which to stow the chair.  The station staff who helped us were kind and efficient, and I cannot speak too highly of them or the service.

[Chris from Nailsea]

Many thanks for updating us here on the Coffee Shop forum with details of your successful railway journey experience, Eliza! 

... I cannot speak too highly of them or the service.

You have already done so: thanks indeed to those GWR^▸ (Great Western Railway) station staff.