Rail Company Introduces 3D Maps to Aid Disabled Passengers

Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR), a train operator overseeing Thameslink, Great Northern, Southern, and Gatwick Express services, has introduced 3D maps. These maps are designed to enable disabled passengers to journey with “more independence” and enhance their confidence when navigating specific important stations across its network. The 3D maps, accessible via mobile phones and computers, will facilitate passengers in planning their routes through stations managed by GTR. This initiative, currently undergoing a trial phase at 10 stations, seeks to simplify the process for disabled passengers to locate staircases, lifts, and ticket gates using custom aerial maps of the stations. GTR stated that while bird’s-eye-view maps are available for all stations under its management, feedback indicated that certain existing maps required enhancements due to issues with scale and occasional difficulty in quick navigation. The newly introduced diagrams feature colour-coded accessible routes, steps, and illustrate the different levels within a station. These can be accessed through National Rail Enquiries or on the websites of all GTR’s train brands. The 10 stations participating in this trial are: Brighton, City Thameslink, Denmark Hill, East Croydon, Elephant & Castle, Finsbury Park, Gatwick Airport, London Blackfriars, Luton Airport Parkway and Peckham Rye. Carl Martin, GTR’s accessibility lead, commented: “We’re really pleased to introduce these new maps as part of our commitment to create a more inclusive and accessible railway. “Together with other helpful guides on the assisted travel pages of our websites, they’ll help people plan a smooth and stress-free journey.” GTR further indicated that a successful trial could lead to the inclusion of additional stations in the scheme.