The Department for Transport (DfT) and the RSSB are offering grants totalling £600,000 to improve access on the railway for disabled passengers.
Funding is being made available for train operators, businesses, universities and charities to develop innovative solutions that could remove some of the barriers that currently make travelling by rail difficult for disabled passengers.
Announcing the launch, RSSB said the competition had two strands. As well as looking to find solutions to improve physical access issues, it aims to gather ideas that will enhance the travelling experience of those with less visible disabilities, such as mental health issues or sensory and cognitive impairments.
Grants will range in value from £25,000 to £150,000.
Rail Minister Paul Maynard said, ‘I am delighted to launch this competition which will help us make our railways accessible to everyone, whether they have a physical disability or one which is less visible.
‘This is something I personally feel very strongly about and I am determined to remove the barriers for millions with a disability, giving them the right to travel independently and with confidence.’
