|
Hi Gray,
I was unfortunate enough to have to spend 8 years in a wheelchair before a slow recovery to being able to walk again. During that 8 years I used to travel extensively by train, rarely had trouble and had a great deal of help and kindness from railway staff.
Think of it from the TOC's viewpoint; the 24 hour's notice gives them time to arrange staff to meet you, arrange ramps and get you onto the train; meeting you on arrival at your destination (or transfer station) and getting you off the train and helping you off the station.
Only once did I have trouble - no-one to meet the train at Exeter and the train was delayed for 20 minutes until they could get me off! Mostly I have been met with a friendly smile from a "Customer Service Rep" who has all your details as to requirements etc. so it proves that the pre booking does work and takes no longer than getting the ticket. The biggest problem I encountered was young mothers with oversized pushchairs taking up the disabled space. It is very rare to have two wheelchairs on any one train.
Don't give up on the trains.
Regards, Tony.
|