Arriva Trains Wales | ASSISTANCE DOGS GET TICKET TO RIDE

ASSISTANCE DOGS GET TICKET TO RIDE

Rail users travelling with assistance dogs are benefiting from an innovative scheme being launched by Arriva Trains Wales (ATW) in partnership with Assistance Dogs (UK).

The scheme has succesfully completed a 3 month trial across Wales and the border counties of England, and aims to provide the best possible customer service to passengers travelling with assistance dogs on the company’s trains.

Assistance Dogs (UK) is the umbrella organisation for five organisations who offer training, practical support and guidance to disabled people requiring the use of a professionally trained dog. The organisations include, The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association, Hearing Dogs for Deaf People, Dogs for the Disabled, Canine Partners and Support Dogs.

The scheme’s main objectives are to secure a ‘protected space’ in front of a seat for the handler’s dog and further raise awareness of the needs of disabled customers among staff and passengers travelling on board trains.Highly visible seat reservation cards have been provided to all ATW conductors, which will advise passengers that an empty seat next to an assistance dog owner is being reserved for the dog to travel in safety and comfort.

Geraint Morgan, community affairs manager for Arriva Trains Wales, said: “In responding to feedback from assistance dog owners who regularly travel by train, we have been able to devise a policy that offers practical advice and guidance to both customers and conductors, while securing a protected space for the dog for its comfort and safety.”

He continued: “These professionally trained dogs play an important role in the everyday lives of their owners and the initiative is a further example of out commitment to offer the highest standard of service to all our customers.”

Assistance Dog Yardley

Alan Brooks, Chairman of ADUK said: “Arriva Trains Wales is leading the way with this innovative scheme and in producing this guide highlighting the specific needs of passengers travelling with assistance dogs. Our assistance dog users look forward to trying the system out and providing feedback to this important trial.”

“ADUK is delighted with Arriva Trains Wales’ commitment to enhancing the travel experience of assistance dog users. Our clients have specific needs; guide dog owners benefit from audio announcements, information display screens assist hearing dog users, and wheelchair access is needed for some Dogs for the Disabled, Canine Partners and Support Dogs' clients.

"What they all have in common is their assistance dog, providing freedom to use public transport. Therefore any initiative which makes train services more accessible is to be applauded.”

Definition of an Assistance Dog:

An Assistance Dog is one which has been specifically trained to assist a disabled person and which has been qualified by one of the charitable organisations registered as members of Assistance Dogs (UK). Assistance Dogs trained by members of Assistance Dogs (UK) will have formal identification and have been granted certification by the Department of Health on the basis that the dog’s high standards of training, behaviour, health and welfare are such that it should be permitted to accompany its client, owner or partner at all times and in all places within the United Kingdom.

The following Assistance Dog organisations are registered members of Assistance Dogs (UK):

The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association
Hearing Dogs for Deaf People
Dogs for the Disabled
Canine Partners
Support Dogs

Read more about the scheme by clicking here