Rail operator Trenitalia c2c is trialling new interactive British Sign Language (BSL) screens at key stations to improve accessibility and confidence for d/Deaf passengers using its services.
The initiative, currently being piloted at Fenchurch Street and Southend Central stations, aims to provide real-time travel information in sign language. If successful, the three-month trial could lead to a wider rollout across the c2c network.
The BSL “totems” display live departure boards in sign language as standard and are fully interactive. Passengers can also use the touchscreen interface to plan journeys, check onward travel, and view local area maps and nearby points of interest.
Steve Scutt, Accessibility and Integrated Travel Manager at c2c, explained the importance of the trial:
“From research, 40% of d/Deaf people whose first or preferred language is BSL don’t feel confident using the train.
There’s a misconception that all d/Deaf people can easily read or understand written English, but for many lifelong sign language users, English is a second language. These screens will make a real difference by giving access to live travel information in their own language.”
As well as pre-loaded standard messaging, the screens are equipped to provide updates during disruption. Each totem features NFC (near field communication) technology, allowing passengers to transfer information to their smartphones with a tap.
The BSL trial is part of a wider push by c2c to improve accessibility across its services. The company has also rolled out the ‘Recite Me’ assistive toolbar on its website, offering a suite of tools such as text-to-speech, translation, and reading aids for users with visual impairments, learning difficulties, or those who speak English as a second language.
The toolbar is available at www.c2c-online.co.uk by clicking the “accessibility tools” button at the top of the page.
The trial reflects c2c’s ongoing efforts to create a more inclusive railway that caters to all passengers, regardless of their communication needs.
