Network Rail has installed British Sign Language (BSL) customer information screens at Edinburgh Waverley and Glasgow Central.
The two busiest stations in Scotland will display BSL on their main boards and sub boards as part of an ongoing investment to make Scotland’s Railway more accessible for Deaf passengers.
The British Deaf Association (BDA) worked in close association with representatives of Network Rail to deliver the project.
Avril Hepner, BSL Scotland Manager, British Deaf Association (Scotland) said: “There are a number of challenges that we face when travelling by train. It’s very easy to end up on the wrong platform or on the wrong train, especially when there are platform changes or delays, and we can’t hear the live announcements.
“These digital BSL information boards will benefit Deaf travellers greatly. They’ll improve accessibility and independence but will also give confidence to passengers that they are up to date with travel information and able to get to the right train at the right time.”
The latest information on trains from Network Rail’s control room will be converted into BSL on the displays in real time for passengers.
The boards currently only show train information, but will soon show emergency and security messages and information about works that may impact journeys.
Graham Smith, regional telecoms asset and performance manager, Network Rail, said: “We value the positive impact that having BSL displayed on our main and sub boards can have for our Deaf passengers.
“We hope this will not only help in our communication efforts for passengers with hearing difficulties but will provide those customers with a better experience on Scotland’s Railway.”
Last month, LNER announced the introduction of BSL on digital departure screens across all LNER-managed stations, following a successful trial period last December.
Image credit: Network Rail
