Hannah’s train travel experience: South Western Railway

Hannah from Treloar School and College tells us about her train travel experience on the South Western Railway.

This week I wanted to travel by train to Aldershot because I had never been there. Usually, I book my travel but this time I wanted to see how far I could get without booking anything.

I set off with my power wheelchair from Treloar’s and got to the Alton train station. I went to the ticket office and spoke to an agent there. He asked me if I booked my ticket and asked for an assistant to assist me to get on and off the train. I said “No”. He advised me to book it in an advance next time. I used a bank card to pay for my ticket but my electronic ticket did not work to open the gate, then it had to be opened by the station staff. I needed to cross to the other side of the platform to go to Aldershot, so I needed to use the lift at the train station to get to the other side. (if the lift wasn’t working it would of delayed my journey by half an hour)

Getting onto the train was easy, by the time I crossed to the platform, the ramp was already attached waiting for me. I drove on to the train and shortly after we departed. It was a short journey to Aldershot. I got off the train easily and the right side of the station. From the train station to the Shopping Centre, it was short but a very bumpy ride. The pavements were uneven and the dropped curb was not flat against the road, this made me drive at an angle and I did not feel safe. The Wellington Shopping Centre had no lifts working at all so I had to go outside and drive my chair all the way round to the other side of the Shopping Centre to gain access to the second floor. I went food shopping at Morrisons but their lifts were also not working so I once again I had to use the long way around to get into Morrisons. I did not have good experience when I visited Aldershot.

The journey back from Aldershot Station to Alton station was easy, I had no problems getting on and off the train. I saw some useful posters all around the stations and in the trains about wheelchair user information and how to stay safe during an emergency.

On the way back to Alton, I had a very good chat with the train conductor. I asked some questions that worried me. Question: If the lift had broken at the station that I am supposed to get off then I could not get out of station, what would you do? Answer: We would send you to the next station available for you to get off safely and we would arrange transport for you to get to the station you are supposed to be at. However, this would only be possible if you booked your travel in advance.