South East London ‘Try a Train’ event opens doors to independent travel
Blind and partially sighted (BPS) residents in South East London are gaining new confidence to travel independently, thanks to the latest ‘Try a Train’ event hosted by South East London Sight Loss Council (SLC). The initiative, delivered in partnership with Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR), aims to break down barriers to accessible rail travel and build travel confidence.
Exploring stations, trains, and travel support
The ‘Try a Train’ event gives participants hands-on experience and direct support from rail professionals and the wider BPS community.
Attendees began at London Bridge to explore the station layout, accessible facilities, and assisted travel procedures in a supportive, hands-on environment. The guided train journey to East Croydon allowed participants to familiarise themselves with onboard services and accessibility features, followed by an informative question and answer session over coffee.
Antony Merlyn, Accessibility Engagement Manager for GTR, with attendees on the concourse at London Bridge
Jordan Brennan, SE London SLC volunteer, said:
“The ‘Try a Train’ event was a very enriching experience for me. Other attendees told me how useful it was to hear directly from both us and GTR about all the options available to make independent travel possible.”
Building travel confidence
Feedback from BPS attendees highlighted the confidence-building impact of the session:
- “It was very useful. I found out information about London Bridge that I didn’t know before.”
- “Amazing! It opened my eyes to a new way of independence. I feel like I have really benefited from today, and the Aira app was a wonderful discovery.”
- “I learnt not to be afraid to travel because there’s assistance and fully equipped staff – don’t be afraid to ask.”
- “Today has been full of very helpful hints. I would like to do this again on other routes.”
- “What a good day it’s been. Good introduction to the stations, helpful information – and I found out some useful information about the buttons on the train doors on Thameslink services.”
Liam O’Carroll, Interim Engagement Manager for London, said:
“It was so good to welcome such an enthusiastic group of VI Londoners.
“We are extremely grateful to the GTR team for leading it, and to attendees for their interest in learning more about accessibility on the rail network.”
Antony Merlyn, Accessibility Engagement Manager at GTR, added:
“GTR’s ‘Try a Train’ events are a proven way for disabled people to experience rail travel and feel confident using our services. This year, we’ve hosted three trips in partnership with Thomas Pocklington Trust for visually impaired passengers across London.
“The day also highlighted useful resources such as the Aira app and GTR’s onboard audio description guides, giving attendees tools to make future journeys smoother and more enjoyable. Feedback shows the events really encourage independent travel, and we’re looking forward to the next event on our Great Northern route in Spring 2026.”
A huge thank you to Govia Thameslink Railway and all the participants for making the event a success. The Try a Train series helps blind and partially sighted travellers build independence and confidence, with more sessions planned this for 2026.
Keep an eye out for our upcoming Spring 2026 session!
Vince, GTR’s Accessibility Improvement Manager, on-board the train talking to two attendees
Would you like to join South East London Sight Loss Council?
We are currently recruiting blind and partially sighted volunteer members living in South East London. If you want to use your lived experience to help shape local services and influence change, get in touch.
Publication date: 07 January 2026