Railway 200 event run by and for blind and partially sighted people to build travel confidence
Blind and partially sighted residents from across Lancashire came together for a special event hosted by the Lancashire Sight Loss Council and Community Rail Lancashire aimed at boosting their confidence to travel by rail. The initiative formed part of the national Railway 200 celebrations, marking 200 years since the birth of the modern railway.
Sight Loss Councils (SLCs), funded by Thomas Pocklington Trust, are regional groups led by blind and partially sighted volunteers. Together, they work alongside organisations to help ensure their services are accessible and inclusive for everyone.
Held on 5 June at Preston rail station, the ‘Try a Train’ event offered blind and partially sighted attendees the chance to experience a return rail journey from Preston to Lytham St Anne’s. Participants had the opportunity to navigate a local station, board a train, explore its layout, and enjoy a walk along the promenade followed by coffee and cake. Volunteer sighted guides were on hand throughout the day to support anyone who needed it.
For many blind and partially sighted people – who are unable to drive – accessible and reliable public transport is vital to live independently, get to work, attend medical appointments, and to meet with friends and family. However, a lack of confidence and concerns around accessibility can make rail travel daunting.
A ‘Try a Train’ attendee gets off a train via a ramp, assisted by a sighted guide.
How ‘Try a Train’ improved confidence to travel by rail
But, after attending the event, many attendees reported that their confidence to travel had now increased. In addition, Lancashire SLC had worked with station staff to raise awareness of visual impairments and how to best support blind and partially sighted customers – to ensure the best possible journey for everyone.
Attendee Alan Rankin, who travelled by train for the first time since losing his sight, explained:
“I was extremely anxious about going on a train. Right up until the day, I honestly didn’t think I’d do it. I haven’t travelled by train since losing my sight three years ago, and even before then, I was able to drive so I didn’t use trains much. I really was very nervous – but I had a brilliant day. I am a long way off travelling by train on my own. But this was a massive first step for me, and I’m so glad I went.”
Nolene Wright, who also attended the event, said:
“I thoroughly enjoyed this Try a Train event. Not only did it give me an opportunity to chat with other blind and partially sighted people, but it really helped boost my confidence to travel by train in the future.”
Joan Wareing, another attendee, said:
“Thank you so much for organising this event. I had a lovely time and met some lovely people. I hadn’t been on a train for years.”
Kelly Barton, Sight Loss Councils Engagement Manager for the North West, shared how the event was a huge success. She said:
“We would like to thank Community Rail Lancashire for helping us to organise this event, which enabled a group of blind and partially sighted people to feel more confident about train travel.
“Blind and partially sighted people rely on public transport to get about so it’s really important that people feel confident about being able to use it. The day was a real success; it was so lovely to see the change in people from the start to the finish. Some attendees were extremely nervous about even getting on the train, but by the end of the day it was great to hear them say what a good day they’d had.”
Steph Syson, a Lancashire SLC volunteer who attended the event, said:
“This has been a brilliant event. It was great to have a sighted guide with me on the train, as it gave me the opportunity to explore the layout of the train. And it’s been great to see other blind and partially sighted people feeling more confident about train travel.”
Katie Douglas, Accessibility and Inclusion Officer at Community Rail Lancashire, added:
“It’s always a pleasure to support people to feel more confident travelling on our rail network but our trip to St. Anne’s was extra special. Why? Because the group was so friendly and, despite a few nerves, up for the adventure of getting to know each other and exploring something new. We are looking forward to heading out again soon!”
SLC members and event attendees take a break at a café before their return train journey.
Publication date: 18 June 2025