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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Natalie Wilson

Disabled passengers say UK rail replacement services are not accessible

  • Fewer than three per cent of disabled UK rail passengers consider rail replacement services to be fully accessible, according to research by Great British Rail Replacement.
  • Around 66 per cent of disabled passengers reported a deteriorating experience in the past year, with 30 per cent left without a viable travel alternative during disruption.
  • The findings come as figures show more than 80,000 rail services were fully or partially cancelled across Great Britain between January and March 2026.
  • Great British Rail Replacement called the government's plan to renationalise rail services through Great British Railways a key opportunity to standardise accessibility.
  • The Office of Rail and Road acknowledged industry progress regarding physical vehicle standards but stated that further improvements are needed to properly support passengers.

IN FULL

Most disabled passengers say rail replacement services are not fully accessible

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