First ScotRail revises on train scooter policy
04 September 2006

First ScotRail has revised its on train scooter policy for travel on all its services including the Caledonian Sleeper, in accordance with the Disabled Persons Protection Policy (DPPP).

The move will see additional benefits introduced for disabled customers using light travel scooters, such as greater convenience when travelling and improved access.

Extensive tests have been carried out on a number of trains operated by First ScotRail, to ensure maximum manoeuvrability for those using the scooters, as well as minimising delays and determining any potential inconveniences for customers when getting on and off.

A number of First ScotRail staff have already undergone customer service training, which includes learning how to store the scooters safely in designated spaces, as well as provide assistance where required. The training, which is carried out on an ongoing basis, is being done with the help of Shopmobility and other charitable organisations.

In order to provide the highest level of customer service and to guarantee the availability of space, First ScotRail advises customers using the light travel scooter, as well as other mobility aids already accepted by the train operator, to book in advance of travel. In this way, station and on-train staff can make sure they are on hand to provide any assistance and create an improved overall journey experience for the customer.

Peter Williams, commercial director at First ScotRail said: "The revision in the policy means we can now accommodate customers using an even wider variety of mobility aids. Customer service is very important to us and this improvement is a further enhancement in ensuring people can travel on our services conveniently and easily."

Alan Dickson, Chief Executive at Capability Scotland welcomed the news. He said: "By continually improving the service they provide to disabled people, First ScotRail is demonstrating its continued commitment to meeting the needs of all its passengers.

"This new development will make life easier for those who rely on scooters to get around. Capability Scotland's own research shows that accessible public transport is crucial to ensuring that disabled people are included in all areas of life including employment, healthcare and leisure. We would be delighted to work with First ScotRail and other transport providers to look at how they can improve their services even further in the future."

First ScotRail has a dedicated assisted travel help line - 0845 605 7021.

ENDS
Notes to Editors

1. One light travel scooter per train can be carried on First ScotRail services.

2. Customers must be able to transfer themselves from their scooter to a designated seat, in line with First ScotRail's safety policy.

Media enquiries:
Lally Cowell, T: 0141 335 4788 / lally.cowell@firstgroup.com
Out of hours - 07738 141 198
www.firstscotrail.com

The Following is copied from the First Scotrail website
Light scooters for mobility purposes, however, CAN now be carried on First ScotRail services, subject to certain conditions –
Mobility Scooters on First ScotRail services
Light Travel Scooters can now be carried on all FSR services including Sleepers (with the exception of the Fort William sleeper where the guard’s van detaches at Edinburgh), subject to the following conditions:
 Bookings must be made in advance through the First ScotRail Contact Centre on 0845 605 7021
 Scooters are restricted to one per train and it is important to pre-book to avoid disappointment.
 Customers wishing to travel using light scooters must be capable of sufficient mobility to transfer to a seat on the train. The scooter manufacturer’s instructions normally specify that you cannot travel sitting on the scooter whilst travelling in another vehicle.
 Scooters must be stowed in the designated Disabled/Wheelchair areas.
 Scooters must not have a canopy or a rear fitted basket where this would make the scooter too large for the available space.
 On sleeper services a scooter will take up 2 bicycle reservations and is to be stored in the guard’s van.

Scooters that can be accepted
Only Light Travel Scooters or those with a similar design/specification will be accepted. Light Travel Scooters are the only models that can be safely and efficiently manoeuvred to the Disabled space where the scooter has to be stowed during the course of the journey.

Booking Process
When booking, you will be asked :

1. What type of scooter do you have?
Refer to the ‘Owners Manual’. This will give the size and measurements of the scooter. Some of the manuals will give maximum user weight and turning radius which should not be more than 99 cm (see table below). Scooters which meet the following criteria can be carried.

Maximum dimensions
Maximum length 104cm (41”)
Maximum width 56cm (22”)
Maximum user weight 136kgs (300lbs – 21 stones)
Maximum turning radius 99cm (39”)

2. Do you have any medical condition that may incapacitate you and mean you could not operate the scooter?
We cannot accept a booking if the customer has a high risk of such incapacity.

3. Are you able to transfer yourself from the scooter to a seat without staff assistance?
This is important as no one is allowed to travel on the train while seated on the scooter. This will also help operations if the scooter has to be pushed in/out of the train. We regret that if the customer has no mobility the booking cannot be accepted.

Further instructions
When the scooter is parked it must be immobilised by:
 Key taken off/out or
 Battery removed or
 Switch operated, depending on type of scooter controls

Rail Travel for Disabled Passengers Guide
The train companies that operate the National Rail network welcome disabled travellers and the Association of Train Operating Companies (ATOC) have produced a guide on behalf of the train companies. This guide can be viewed and printed here, or copies can be obtained from most staffed stations, Citizens Advice Bureaux and some libraries.

To find out further information please download the attached file (opens in new window, 1.19MB)