I am a disabled woman who frequently relies on rail travel. Recently, despite having registered and confirmed assistance booked, the system failed me. I was left stranded on a train, forced to travel an additional 40 miles round trip to another station before being able to return. Alone on cold dark platforms with no guarantee of when I would be taken off the trains, this experience highlighted the urgent need for change.

The current state of rail travel is not only inconvenient but also unsafe for disabled passengers like myself. It's not just about one incident; it's about consistent failures at more than one point in the rail system that leave us feeling vulnerable and disregarded.

According to Transport Focus (2019), 1 in 5 disabled passengers have experienced problems when using trains. This is unacceptable in a society that values equality and inclusivity.

We are calling for immediate action from railway companies and relevant authorities to make rail travel more reliable, safer, and more accessible for disabled travellers. Measures should include improved training of staff members dealing with accessibility services, better maintenance of equipment used by disabled passengers, clear communication channels during journeys especially when issues arise.

Every passenger deserves respect and dignity while travelling. Let us ensure that our railways serve everyone equally well by signing this petition today.