Train information

Train accessibility & RVAR, PRM TSI

The RVAR refers to the Rail Vehicle Accessibility Regulations 1998. Section 46 of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (DDA) (referred to here as ‘the Act’ and now subsumed into the Equality Act 2010) gives the Secretary of State the power to ensure that all new trains are accessible to disabled people including wheelchair users. The regulations came into force in 1999 and apply to trains coming into service from that date onwards.

In 2008 the PRM TSI (Technical Specification for Interoperability: Persons with Reduced Mobility) superseded RVAR as the regulation governing accessible train design. As we have not brought any new trains into service since 2008 our existing trains built since 1998 have all met the RVAR standards. In the future, new and refurbished trains will comply with the requirements of the PRM TSI.

We operate various train types. Our newer trains (classes 377 and 171) are built to the RVAR specification and form the majority of our fleet. The remainder are older carriages, classes 455, 313, 456 and 442 which have been upgraded, where possible, to include many features to improve accessibility. Class 442 trains have single-width doorways which are narrower than our other trains. Their accessible toilet cubicles are also smaller than those on our other trains and therefore may not be suitable for some passengers. We are unable to accept any mobility scooters on to these services unless they can be folded down and carried on board as luggage.

Further details of trains used on our network:

Class 171 – Regulated Vehicle

General Accessibility:

• Dedicated accessible carriage/s with space for wheelchair and user;

• Accessible space marked on the train’s exterior with symbol and red stripe on the doors leading to it;

• On-board ramps for use by train staff;

• Priority seating for use by disabled passengers, expectant mothers, older passengers and those carrying infants. Most of this seating is designed specifically to provide more space, with most positioned close to doors. Please refer to section 7b) for information about Southern’s Priority Seat Card.

• Audio and visual information on board;

• Colour contrasted handles, buttons and floor surfaces;

• Accessible toilet with area to transfer, colour contrasting features, support rails and call for aid;

• Wide entrance doors with low-force illuminated buttons;

• Tactile markings on buttons;

• Warning beeper when door opens/closes;

• Low-level ‘call-for-aid’ next to wheelchair space allowing communication with driver in emergency;

• Wide aisles next to priority seating areas. 2 or 4 car diesel multiple unit.

Routes served: London to Uckfield, Ashford International to Brighton.

These routes generally have a conductor on board.

Class 377 – Regulated Vehicle

General Accessibility:

• Dedicated accessible carriage/s with space for wheelchair and user;

• Accessible space marked on the train’s exterior with symbol and red stripe on the doors leading to it;

• On-board ramps for use by train staff;

• Priority seating for use by disabled passengers, expectant mothers, older passengers and those carrying infants or small children. Most of this seating is designed specifically to provide more space, with most of it positioned close to doors; On recently improved trains the fabric on these seats is different to other seats on the train. Please refer to section 7b) for information about Southern’s Priority Seat Card.

• Audio and visual information on board;

• Colour contrasted handles, buttons and floor surfaces;

• Accessible toilet with area to transfer, colour contrasting features, support rails and call for aid;

• Wide entrance doors with low-force illuminated buttons;

• Tactile markings on buttons;

• Warning beeper when door opens/closes;

• Low-level ‘call for aid’ next to wheelchair space allowing communication with driver in emergency;

• Wide aisles next to priority seating areas. 3 or 4 car electric multiple unit.

Routes served: Entire Southern network (excluding London to Uckfield and Brighton to Ashford lines / services).

When travelling in the metro (London) area these trains often do not have conductors on board. Outside the Greater London area they will generally have conductors on board.

Class 442 – Non-Regulated Vehicle

General Accessibility:

• Dedicated accessible carriage/s with space for wheelchair and user;

• These trains have single doors which restrict the size of wheelchair accepted. Wheelchairs wider than 695mm cannot be accommodated and mobility scooters can only be accepted if they can be folded down and carried on board;

• Accessible space marked on the train’s exterior with symbol;

• On-board ramps for use by train staff;

• Priority seating for use by disabled passengers, expectant mothers, older passengers and those

carrying infants. Most of this seating is designed specifically to provide more space, with most of it positioned close to doors; the fabric on these seats is different to other seats on the train. Please refer to section 7b) for information about Southern’s Priority Seat Card.

• Audio and visual information on board;

• Colour contrasted handles, buttons and floor surfaces;

• Small accessible toilet with support rails,

contrasting features. N.B. some passengers may be unable to use the accessible toilet due to its size;

• Entrance doors with illuminated buttons;

• Tactile markings on buttons;

• Warning beeper when door opens/closes;

• Low-level ‘call for aid’ next to wheelchair space allowing communication with driver in emergency. 5 car electric multiple unit

Routes served: London Victoria to Gatwick Airport and Brighton. Also once daily service from Eastbourne to London Bridge and back and Brighton to London Bridge and back.

Some of these services have conductors onboard. Class 455 Class 442

Class 455 – Non-Regulated Vehicle

General Accessibility:

• Dedicated accessible carriage/s with space for wheelchair and user;

• Accessible space marked on the train’s exterior with symbol on the doors leading to it;

• Priority seating for use by disabled passengers, expectant mothers, older passengers and those carrying infants. Seating close to doors to provide more space. Please refer to section 7b) for

information about Southern’s Priority Seat Card.

• Audio and visual information on board;

• Colour contrasted handles, buttons and floor surfaces;

• Wide entrance doors with low-force illuminated buttons;

• Warning beeper when door closes;

• Low-level ‘call for aid’ next to wheelchair space allowing communication with driver in emergency;

• Wide aisles next to priority seating. 4 car electric multiple unit

Routes served: Suburban services from London Bridge and London Victoria.

These trains do not generally have conductors. These trains have no toilets.

Class 456 – Non-Regulated Vehicle

General Accessibility:

• Dedicated accessible carriage/s with space for wheelchair and user;

• Accessible space marked on the train exterior with symbol on the door leading to it;

• Priority seating for use by disabled passengers, expectant mothers, older passengers and those carrying infants. Seating close to doors. Please refer to section 7b) for information about Southern’s Priority Seat Card.

• Audio and visual information on board;

• Colour contrasted handles, buttons and floor surfaces;

• Wide entrance doors with low-force illuminated buttons;

• Warning beeper when door closes;

• Low-level ‘call for aid’ next to wheelchair space allowing communication with driver in emergency;

• Wide aisles next to priority seating.

2 car electric multiple unit

Routes served: Suburban services from London Bridge and London Victoria.

Generally these trains do not have conductors. These trains have no toilets.

Class 313 – Non-Regulated Vehicle

General Accessibility:

• Dedicated accessible carriage with space for wheelchair and user;

• Accessible space marked on the train’s exterior with symbol;

• Priority seating for use by disabled passengers, expectant mothers, older passengers and those carrying infants. Seating designed specifically to provide more space close to doors. Please refer to section 7b) for information about Southern’s Priority Seat Card.

• Audio and visual information on board;

• Colour contrasted handles, buttons and floor surfaces;

• Wide entrance doors with low-force illuminated buttons;

• Warning beeper when door closes;

• Low-level ‘call for aid’ next to wheelchair space allowing communication with driver in emergency;

3 car electric unit

Routes served: Seaford to Lewes, Brighton to Portsmouth, Brighton to Ore.

These trains have conductors. These trains have no toilets.

14. Travel information