green seniors: Pros and Cons about the new Elizabeth Line (Crossrail) trains

acknowledgments to Alan Wheatley
TfA's Letter to Supporters (Non-Members).
Click here for the accessible Word version of this E-newsletter.

View this email in your browser

Dear Alan,

The year has got off to a really positive start. We’ve already seen the Supreme Court ruling finding in favour of Doug Paulley - the culmination of a tireless campaign from Doug and disability rights campaigners across the country.

But there is still so much more to do. We’re going to be spending the first part of the year campaigning to improve access on our railways - fighting the government’s scandalous decision to delay 50% of Access For All projects, calling for reliable audio visual announcements on every platform and demanding network-wide availability of ‘Turn up and Go’ services.

Let's change this, so that disabled and older people can live their lives without worrying about how to get around.

You can help make real progress by becoming a Transport for All member today.

Yes, I want to take action today by becoming a TfA member

There have been two pieces of great news this week:

TfA members celebrated another campaign win with the government announcement that Taxi and PHV drivers will now face a £1000 fine for refusing to take wheelchair users (Read our article).
Tottenham Court Road becomes the 71st Tube station with step-free access today. We will be going soon to try it out.

Pros and Cons about the new Elizabeth Line (Crossrail) trains

In January, our members Gwynneth Pedler and Mohammed Mohsanali were given the opportunity to tour the new Crossrail trains - which will be fully accessible thanks to the fantastic campaign by our members across London.

They were quite impressed by its design. However we were disappointed by the fact that there will be no toilet provision on board; and by the fact that the grab poles are black and silver, making it very difficult for people with visual impairments to see them. This is a major backwards step.

Our article and video

Are you a Disabled cyclist?
Our partner Wheels for Wellbeing wants to hear about your experience (deadline: end of March). Click here to answer the 5 minute survey.

Here are some of the highlights of January:

HELPLINE
Don't forget that we can help you plan your accessible journey or take up your complaint with transport providers. Please do get in touch if you encounter any problems: every time we report a problem, it helps build the case for a more inclusive and reliable transport system.
Please do get in touch.
Tel: 020 7737 2339
Email: contactus@transportforall.org.uk

FUNDRAISING
Did you know that there is a very easy way you could raise money for Transport for All. Thousands of stores will donate to Transport for All a percentage (1 to 2%) of every pound you spend when you shop through www.giveasyoulive.com. The best part of it is that it doesn’t cost you anything: the donation is made by the retailer. Find out more