Think Railways

On 18 November 2014, the European Commission adopted a regulation to improve the access to rail travel for persons with disabilities and persons with reduced mobility. These new technical requirements (Technical Specifications for Interoperability-TSI) will among othersmake tactile walking surface indicators mandatory in stations and increase the door opening width. Also, in trains there will be a requirement for a minimum lighting in all train areas as well as flatter ramps in wheelchair areas.

The new rules will be applicable as of January 2015 across the whole European railway network. More citizens with disabilities and reduced mobility will thus be able to take the train under improved conditions.

The Commission also adopted a full set of revised TSIs. These new rules will simplify the technical requirements for railway and extend them to the whole railway system in the EU. This will have other benefits, including facilitating the circulation of trains across the EU and simplifying the legislation for industry and administration.