Eight additional stations on the Northern network have been made accessible for mobility scooter users, following the latest expansion of the operator’s Mobility Scooter Permit Scheme.
Passengers with approved permits can now travel to and from the following stations using their mobility scooters:
- Chesterfield
- Deansgate
- Headbolt Lane
- Prescot
- Rainhill
- Salford Central
- Salford Crescent
- Kent’s Bank
This brings the total number of mobility scooter-friendly stations on the Northern network to 179, spanning 28 routes across the North of England.
A More Accessible Railway for All
Maxine Myers, Accessibility Improvement Manager at Northern, said:
“We are constantly evolving this scheme and have listened to feedback from customers and members of our Accessibility User Group to open up more opportunities for people who use a mobility scooter to travel.
I’m delighted we’ve been able to expand this programme and hope we can continue to do so in the future.”
Alex Hornby, Customer and Commercial Director at Northern, added:
“This is an important step towards making stations and services across our vast network more accessible.
We are determined to give everyone the confidence to travel by train. While we’re proud of our progress, we’re not complacent and will continue to deliver further improvements in our commitment to building a better, more inclusive railway.”
Permit Scheme: How It Works
Northern’s Mobility Scooter Permit Scheme is free to join. To ensure safe boarding and prevent incidents, scooters must be assessed for compatibility with train ramps and platform-train gaps.
Eligible users receive:
- A personalised sticker to place on the assessed mobility scooter.
- An accompanying permit card, useful if the scooter lacks a visible display point.
Customers can apply for a permit and read full guidelines on the Northern Mobility Scooter Scheme page.
Battery-Powered Devices – Know the Rules
Unlike e-scooters, hoverboards and e-skateboards – which are banned from Northern trains due to fire safety risks – mobility scooters, powered wheelchairs, and other approved aids for people with reduced mobility are exempt and welcome under the permit scheme.
Northern’s Accessibility Commitment
With 2,500 daily services and access to over 500 stations, Northern is the second-largest train operator in the UK. It continues to work towards building a more accessible and inclusive railway, ensuring passengers with reduced mobility can travel safely, independently, and confidently.
