HS2 was required to set a new level of Inclusivity and Accessibility on its network – in many cases, above and beyond what exists on most railways around the UK and the world.
To support the delivery of this requirement, we developed an Inclusivity and Accessibility strategy for the new HS2 train.
Through stakeholder liaison we generated an Equality Impacts Assessment which enabled us to understand the challenges and/or barriers to travel that may be encountered by passengers on the existing levels of Inclusivity and Accessibility provision across the UK mainline train network.
This analysis provided a backdrop against which we could identify the issues and define the user needs for all passengers, including those with hidden or temporary disabilities, and to define areas where Inclusivity and Accessibility improvements could be incorporated into a flagship Rolling Stock solution such as this.
Through engagement with suppliers, manufacturers, innovators and others, a suite of requirements were developed to support the procurement of a train with marked improvements in Inclusivity and Accessibility across the board.
