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Press release 9th September 2019

 "Every passenger matters"


Bristol plays host to a major rail conference later this month, with the theme “every passenger matters”, as a platform of speakers from the very top of the rail industry meet to discuss inclusion and accessibility for passengers using the rail network. CrossCountry Trains, Great Western Railway and Network Rail will all be participating in Railfuture's annual conference on Saturday 21st September near Bristol Parkway station.

“This year we’re focussing on one of the rail industry’s current hot topics - inclusion and accessibility for passengers” said Railfuture director Wendy Thorne. “We’ve secured some big names to provide valuable insight into how the industry is working towards making a railway that genuinely works for everyone. This is at a time when recent research on experiences of disabled rail passengers has shown that they still encounter barriers to using trains, so there’s still work to do to improve things”

The conference will take place on Saturday 21st September from 10am - 4:30pm at St Michael's Church Centre, a modern conference centre complex a stone's throw from Bristol Parkway station. The venue is kindly sponsored by CrossCountry Trains. Tickets are just £25.

"With businesses of all sizes adopting and developing new techniques to improve accessibility for passengers on the network, our keynote speakers will provide valuable insight on various topics, as well as networking opportunities to help develop your business."

A free workshop session, allowing delegates to highlight areas that they would like to see improved for passengers using the rail network, will round off the day.

“We want to hear what barriers you experience in using the rail network, and what improvements you would like to see to ensure that every passenger really does matter.”

You can also join in the conversation on social media using #rfconference

To book visit Railfuture's website www.railfuture.org.uk/conferences/railusers

For special dietary requirements or enquiries please email annualconference2019 at railfuture.org.uk


Notes to editors:


Confirmed Speakers:

The day will be chaired by Stephen Brookes MBE, who is a rail sector champion for the minister for disabled people.

Matthew Golton, Deputy Managing Director, Great Western Railway - "Enhancing the Passenger Experience at our Stations"

Richard Gibson, Head of Communications, CrossCountry Trains – “going the extra mile”

Lorna Brown-Owens, Access and Inclusion Manager, Network Rail - Shaping Accessibility: How Network Rail will put passengers first

Jon Harris, Integrated Transport and Accessibility Manager, West Midlands Trains - Putting Passengers First - Supporting the Door to Door journey - An insight into West Midlands Trains’ Stations as Places, Personalised Travel Planning and Equality perspective


Venue: St Michael’s Church Centre, Stoke Gifford, Bristol BS34 8PD

Conference begins at 10.00, registration from 9.30, finishes by 16:30

For further details about the conference please email
annualconference2019 at railfuture.org.uk


Tickets

Tickets give you admission to the conference and include a goody bag, complimentary refreshments available throughout the day and a buffet lunch. Bookings close on Thursday 19th September.

£25.00 - General admission for members and non-members
£15.00 - 16-25 Railcard Holder

Railfuture is the UK's leading independent organisation campaigning for better rail services for both passengers and freight.

Railfuture's website can be found at: www.railfuture.org.uk

Follow Railfuture on Twitter: https://twitter.com/Railfuture

For further information and comment please contact:

Wendy Thorne, conference organiser
e-mail: wendy.thorne at railfuture.org.uk
Mobile: 07810 178762

Bruce Williamson, media spokesman
e-mail: media at railfuture.org.uk
Tel: 0117 927 2954 Mobile: 07759 557389