More national recognition for Liverpool City Region's new trains accessibility achievements as they scoop another award

THE Liverpool City Region Combined Authority's new trains have picked up another prestigious national award, recognising the huge advancements made in accessibility for rail passengers in the area.

In the ceremony in London, hosted by BBC Radio 2 presenter Jeremy Vine, the City Region's £500m new trains project fleet won the:- "Best Practice in Diversity, Inclusivity and Accessibility" award.

The judges praised the co-design approach taken with disability groups for the new trains, ensuring level boarding at every station and step-free access across the network, add that the project:- "shows how genuine collaboration can deliver a rail system that works for everyone, setting a new benchmark for inclusivity in UK transport."

Alongside the new train's success, Customer Delivery Manager Janet Roach was also shortlisted in the:- "Woman of the Year" award.

Cllr Steve Foulkes, Chair of the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority Transport Committee, said:- "We're delighted at the recognition we have received at this year's National Transport Awards for the positive impact our new trains have had in making our rail network more accessible. We've always believed that accessible, affordable and sustainable transport is not just a goal but a right that every community should enjoy. When we were designing and planning our new trains, we were clear that we needed to take this huge opportunity to open up our network to more people, allowing them to travel independently. The impact that has had is clear to see, but we're not stopping there; we want to make sure every station in our City Region has step-free access from pavement to platform by 2030 and will continue to work towards that aim."

The City Region's game-changing new trains have made a huge difference to passengers with additional accessibility requirements, allowing more people to travel independently and setting a benchmark for the rail industry. Other operators have visited the Region to see how it can be done, and industry watchdog Transport Focus has showcased the fleet as an example of best practice.

For 18 months during the design stage, more than 40 local residents helped make over 30 individual design decisions, ensuring the trains met a wide range of needs from mobility issues to sensory impairments and less visible disabilities.

The most significant change was the introduction of sliding-step technology which allowed level boarding from platform to train, making them the most accessible trains in the UK; a move recently praised by British Paralympic legend and disability rights campaigner Baroness Tanni Grey Thompson on a visit to the Region.

This success follows on from the new trains also being named the winner in the:- 'Accessibility Achievement of the Year' category at the National Rail Awards last month.

In her role as Customer Delivery Manager, Janet oversees a range of critical customer-facing operations, including:- the strategic management of the Contact Centre, the vital provision of concessionary travel schemes, and the complexities of Smart Ticketing systems.

She was nominated by 1 of her colleagues who highlighted her leadership skills and her profound compassion and active commitment to elevating and championing people around her; particularly individuals who may feel underrepresented within the transport sector.

In their 22nd year and organised by Transport Times, the UK National Transport Awards celebrate the dedication, expertise, success and innovation of those working to continually enhance the transport networks across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

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October dates when Living Well Bus is visiting Sefton

THE Living Well Bus will making more visits to Sefton, throughout October 2025. No appointments are needed for the visits when the Living Well Bus team will be offering immunisations including:- Measles Mumps, Rubella (MMR) for people of all ages, health checks, and mental wellbeing support.

The bus will also be calling at the following stops:-

• Thursday, 9 October 2025 - Asda Bootle, 81 Strand Rd, Bootle L20 4BB
  

• Friday, 10 October 2025 - Sandbrook Rd, Ainsdale, PR8 3RL
  

• Wednesday, 15 October 2025 - Sefton Carers, 27-37 South Rd, Waterloo, L22 5PE
  

• Friday, 17 October 2025 - Lidl, 290 Marsh Ln, Bootle, L20 5BQ
  

• Wednesday, 22 October 2025 - Waitrose, Three Tuns Ln, Formby, L37 4AJ
  

• Thursday, 23 October 2025 - Netherton Activity Centre car park, Glovers Ln, Bootle L30 3TL
  

• Tuesday, 28 October 2025 - Asda Superstore, Aintree Ormskirk Rd, L10 3LN (TBC)
  

• Thursday, 30 October 2025 - Wickes, Southport, Kew Retail Park Unit 4A, PR8 5RG

All visits will be from:- 10.30am to 4pm; no appointments needed.

Vaccinations available include including:- the MMR that provides protection against serious diseases like Measles that are re-emerging in the country.

You can find the latest advice on Measles and the MMR vaccination from the NHS Cheshire and Merseyside website.

The Living Well service, which is delivered by the Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, was launched in June 2022 to offer a consistent health and care approach across communities across Cheshire and Merseyside. All activity is recorded and shared with your GP, ensuring ongoing understanding and support for your health is in place.

You can visit:- CWP.NHS.UK, to find out more about the Living Well service.

What are your thoughts on this news topic? Email our Newsroom at:- News24@SouthportReporter.Com or send us a message on:- Mastodon, Facebook, or Twitter. Please do let us know as we love to hear your views....