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Metro's New Trains Lack Grab Rails, Passenger Worries
20 Apr
Summary
- Passenger with mobility issues calls for more grab rails.
- New trains feature London Tube-style linear seating.
- Operator Nexus monitors passenger feedback for improvements.
A passenger with mobility challenges has urged the Tyne and Wear Metro to install additional grab rails on its new trains. Paula Mitchinson, who uses a cane due to thinning bones, expressed distress over the lack of adequate handholds for reaching seats on the modern carriages.
The new Metro trains are equipped with spacious, linear seating, similar to London Underground trains. Mitchinson stated that while the layout may suit able-bodied individuals or wheelchair users, it presents difficulties for those with walking aids.
Operator Nexus has responded by emphasizing that the carriage layout has undergone independent verification against safety standards. They noted that the fleet's design was shaped by significant public consultation, involving over 23,000 responses.
Nexus maintains a team that regularly assesses customer interactions on the trains. They assured that feedback is closely monitored, and any arising issues of significance will be addressed as passengers become more accustomed to the new train layout.
