Allow Mobility Scooters on Nexus Metro Trains

My name is Carl, and I rely on my mobility scooter every day to live independently. Like many disabled people across the North East of England, I depend on accessible public transport to work, attend medical appointments, visit family and friends, and take part in everyday life.

Unfortunately, Nexus currently does not allow mobility scooters on Metro trains. This restriction has a significant impact on my independence and quality of life. I am unable to travel to Newcastle, the main city in our region, using the Metro, and visiting many surrounding towns, family members, and friends becomes extremely difficult. What many people take for granted—simply being able to get on a train and travel—is something that I am currently denied.

These barriers do more than limit travel. They can increase isolation, reduce opportunities, and have a serious impact on mental health and wellbeing. Everyone deserves the freedom to access their community without unnecessary restrictions.

According to the Office for National Statistics, around 16% of people in the North East live with a disability. Many rely on mobility aids to maintain their independence. Without access to the Metro, people are often forced to rely on expensive alternative transport, face longer and more complicated journeys, or miss out on important appointments, employment opportunities, education, and social activities altogether.

Other transport networks, including those in cities such as Sheffield and Manchester, have introduced systems that safely accommodate mobility scooters. This demonstrates that accessibility and passenger safety can go hand in hand when the right measures are put in place.

We are not asking Nexus to compromise passenger safety. We are asking them to work with disabled people, accessibility experts, and transport professionals to introduce a safe, practical policy that enables mobility scooter users to travel with confidence while maintaining the safety of everyone using the Metro.

We are asking Nexus to review its current policy and introduce practical solutions, including:

● Safe, designated spaces for mobility scooters on Metro trains.

● Suitable boarding arrangements where required.

● Staff training to support mobility scooter users.

● Clear safety guidance for passengers and mobility scooter users.

● Consultation with disabled people and accessibility organisations when developing any new policy.

Improving accessibility would give thousands of people greater independence, improve access to healthcare, employment, education, shopping, and social activities, while creating a fairer and more inclusive public transport network across the North East.

Public transport should be accessible to everyone. Disability should never mean exclusion.

By signing this petition, you are supporting equal access, greater independence, and a transport system that works for everyone.

Please sign today and help encourage Nexus to review its policy and introduce safe access for mobility scooter users. Every signature brings us one step closer to a more inclusive future.