Improving access for hearing aid users at train stations

September 8, 2023

In the wake of COVID-19, the travelling habits of commuters across the world were forced to adapt to a new world of masks, distancing, and online ticket purchases. Although it would be a huge understatement to minimise the impact of the pandemic on any nation’s transport infrastructure, the UK was arguably one of the most widely affected by the changes COVID introduced, due to the British population’s long-time reliance on public transport systems in comparison to countries such as the United States, as well as our particularly large population density.

When regular train services finally returned, public reluctance to rely on public transport demonstrably increased, with ticket sales not at the heights they were pre-2020. Moreover, it did not help rail companies or the public when the rail unions started train strikes, which while fully deserving of support, have admittedly caused disruption to commuter journeys for a further 18 months, as of writing this blog.

It did not take long for train companies to react to these changes. This year, Avanti, TransPennine, and Northern Rail, among various others, will be closing many of their traditional ticket stands in favour of automated ticket machines, while promoting the use of their rail apps for purchasing tickets in advance. This decision is not entirely surprising when we consider that many people, especially younger generations, now prefer to buy tickets in advance rather than on the day of travelling, due to a combination of continuous rail service disruption, and the sheer convenience of it.

The question then remains; Where do these changes leave disabled people? After all, many disabled people rely on ticket stalls due to compromised dexterity, cognitive/learning limitations, or are simply of a generation less familiar or comfortable with technology.

It turns out that various train companies are in fact, doubling down on staff at these stations, promising to increase assistance for commuters, including help using ticket machines, and booking apps, and a shifted focus to other key issues experienced by disabled people on site, such as with navigation. In many of these companies’ agendas, it is understood that greater integration of lifts and step-free navigation is a key priority to increase accessibility.

While such changes are welcomed – It’s important to recognize that despite the closure of ticket offices and proposed changes in station layouts, there are several key locations within rail stations where audio communication between staff and customers will occur, which can only be properly addressed through the implementation of hearing loops. Key areas where loops are necessary include counters, ticket vending machines, lifts, platforms, and car parks. Induction loops can significantly enhance accessibility for individuals with hearing impairments and are a necessity by law.

But how applicable are induction loops? Is their use limited to counters? We have listed key examples of what induction loops can allow rail service to offer hearing-impaired commuters at various points of interest below:

Ticket Vending Machines: Many rail stations have automated ticket vending machines. Integrating hearing loops at these machines can assist passengers in understanding spoken instructions, ticket options, and transaction details.

Help Points: Help points are strategically placed throughout stations to help passengers. Hearing loops can be incorporated into these devices to facilitate clear communication between passengers and station staff.

Public Address Systems: PA systems are used for making announcements, conveying important information, and providing updates to passengers. Installing hearing loops at key points within the station can ensure that individuals with hearing impairments receive these messages effectively.

Passenger Emergency Intercoms: Emergency intercoms are crucial for safety and security in stations. Equipping these intercoms with hearing loops ensures that individuals with hearing difficulties can communicate effectively in case of emergencies.

Lifts/Elevators: Hearing loops in lifts or elevators enable passengers to hear announcements related to floor levels, maintenance, and safety instructions while inside these enclosed spaces.

Car Parking Machines and Barriers: For stations with parking facilities, installing hearing loops at car parking machines and barriers can aid customers in understanding payment instructions and parking-related information.

Although emergency glass has been gradually removed at most stations for several months now, it is important to emphasise that this is not necessarily enough for passengers who use hearing aids. At the busiest, loudest, most chaotic train station – Induction loop systems are the only true solution to ensuring that people with hearing impairments are able to commute independently and are given equal access to staff services. The effective distance of hearing aid microphones is limited, and in noisy or reverberant environments, the clarity of sound is often compromised. Therefore, maintaining loops at service points like ticket offices remains highly beneficial for providing inclusive and accessible services to all passengers, including those with hearing disabilities.

Direct Access can provide train operators with high-quality assured hearing loops and induction systems. Crafted in partnership with industry masters Ampetronic, our induction loops will allow service providers to accommodate equal and inclusive access for Deaf and hearing-impaired travelers in newly adapting commuter environments. Not only will our team install the loops ourselves (when available), but we will also provide you with complimentary staff training on how to use the systems.

Want to know more? Do you think your site could improve access for disabled people? Feel free to explore our Hearing Loops and Induction Systems Page, or contact us directly using the form below and we will do our best to answer any queries.

Improving access for hearing aid users at train stations

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