Our ‘Try a Train' events provide an ideal opportunity for those who lack confidence travelling by train to visit our stations and to experience a train journey.
They are aimed at disabled people (both visible and nonvisible disabilities) and those who may encounter other barriers to travelling e.g. senior citizens, non-English speakers.
During the event, we tailor the agenda to the group’s specific needs and area of interest.
A typical Try a Train event consists of;
- Introduction to the station layout including car parking and onward travel
- Various station facilities
- Overview of ticketing options & sources of information
- Meet the local station manager and station teams
- A chance to sample a train journey to a relevant destination of interest
By the end of the trip our aim is for participants to feel that they have experienced a complete journey that will encourage further travel with confidence.
Some of the groups we have hosted in the past include Autism Bedfordshire, ‘Possability People’ (Brighton), Bedford College, Chiltern School (Dunstable), Noah (Bedfordshire), Valley School (Stevenage).
View a Try a Train event that was held with The Grace Eyre Foundation & Brighton & Hove buses
The events are free of charge - all we ask is that groups provide us with feedback to ensure that our aim of increasing confidence to travel is met.
If you would like to find out more please contact community@gtrailway.com.
Feedback from past events
“For individuals who may not get the opportunity to travel on the train or had not had the experience of this due their circumstances and learning disability…..The railway staff were excellent, warm and helpful putting us and ease and feeling relaxed”
“Very worthwhile programme, the children had a wonderful day and the train journey was an integral part of the trip” and “We felt very important on the train. I liked having my own ticket and being responsible for it. We were able to look out for the right station so we knew where to get off, and “I cannot think of any way you could have improved the day.”