Transport for Greater Manchester
Train services are becoming far more accessible, and many disabled people can use the rail network without help.
Key tips
If you do require help its best to book your journey 6 hours in advance, for example if you:
- find it hard to get on and off trains
- use a wheelchair – on most trains you’ll need a boarding ramp and to reserve a wheelchair space
- use a mobility scooter – some train companies have restrictions
- have a visual impairment and need guidance at the station or help getting on and off the train
- have difficulty walking long distances – some stations have wheelchairs or electric buggies.
By booking your journey in advance, National Rail and the train company can make it as easy as possible for you to travel. They can make arrangements if the station is not step-free or usually not staffed at the time.
You can find out about accessibility at stations on the National Rail information website
https://www.nationalrail.co.uk/stations_destinations/default.aspx
Just type the name of your station (or 3 letter code if you know it) and you can find out detailed information for that station under the various headings.
Operators
Avanti West Coast
Avanti West Coast | Buy Train Tickets | No Booking Fee
Regular, direct services to London, Crewe, Milton Keynes, Stockport, Macclesfield, Wilmslow, Watford, Tamworth, Lichfield.
Cross Country
Train Tickets & fares | CrossCountry (crosscountrytrains.co.uk)
Regular, direct services around the country, this company even provides Heritage railways.
Northern Railway
Train Tickets | Buy Cheap Train Tickets Online | Northern (northernrailway.co.uk)
Regular, direct services cover Blackpool, Chester, York, Carlisle, Cumbria and The Lakes, Harrogate, Hull, Lancashire, Leeds, Liverpool and many more.
Planning a journey
My journey Manchester can help you plan your journey and help with train times and operators
Plan a journey | Transport for Greater Manchester (tfgm.com)
Help with costs
Senior Railcard
https://www.senior-railcard.co.uk/
A Senior Railcard is available to people over 60 and costs £30 for a year or £70 for three years. It gives a discount of 1/3 off rail journeys.
The Disabled Person’s Rail card
https://www.disabledpersons-railcard.co.uk/
The disabled person’s railcard costs £20 for a year and £54 for three years. It will entitle you to a saving of 1/3 off rail journeys.
You are eligible for the Disabled Persons Railcard if you:
- receive Personal Independence Payments (PIP)
- receive Disability Living Allowance (DLA) at either:
the higher or lower rate for the mobility component, or
the higher or middle rate for the care component
- have a visual impairment
- have a hearing impairment
- have epilepsy
- receive Attendance Allowance or Severe Disablement Allowance
- receive War Pensioner’s Mobility Supplement
- receive War or Service Disablement Pension for 80% or more disability
- buy or lease a vehicle through the Motability scheme
Travel pass for disabled people
If you are disabled, you could be eligible for a pass that gives you free and low-cost travel in Greater Manchester and the rest of England under the English National Concessionary Travel Scheme. Depending on your disability, you could qualify for either a travel pass for disabled people or a travel plus pass for disabled people.
Travel pass for disabled people | Transport for Greater Manchester (tfgm.com)
Travel pass for older people
If you qualify for a state pension, you could be eligible for a pass that gives you free travel in Greater Manchester and the rest of England under the English National Concessionary Travel Scheme.
Travel pass for older people | Transport for Greater Manchester (tfgm.com)
Travel assistance
Passenger Assist is a national system used by all train companies, which allows them to make the necessary arrangements for your journey.
If you are planning on travelling on national rail services, you can request an assistance booking in advance – now up to 2 hours before your journey is due to start, any time of the day.
Passenger Assist includes:
- offering a helping hand to navigate the station
- support when boarding the train
- meeting you from your train and taking you to your next train or the exit
- arranging a ramp on or off your train
- assistance relating to a non-visible impairment
- carrying your bag(s) – up to three items of luggage as per the National Rail Conditions of Travel
The train company you’re travelling with will organise assistance for your entire journey, even if you travel with another train company as part of your journey.
You can also “turn up and go” without booking assistance in advance. If you require assistance at short notice, make yourself known to a member of staff or use a Help Point when you arrive at the station.
You can request assistance either via the train company you are travelling with or nationally through Network Rail
Requesting Passenger Assistance National Rail
There are a number of ways to request assistance.
- Passenger Assistance by Transreport– a new app which allows you to request assistance via an internet-enabled smartphone. You receive a confirmation email once your request has been checked and confirmed. You can find out more about the app on our Passenger Assistance by Transreport page.
- You can also call for free on 0800 0223720 or text 60083
- You can also book via individual train companies
National Rail Enquiries – Passenger Assist
Avanti West Coast
Passenger Assist | Assisted Train Travel | Avanti West Coast
Call us on 0345 528 0253 – option 3 where our opening hours are We’re open 24 hours a day Monday to Sunday. Tickets can also be purchased using this service.
Cross Country Trains
You can book travel assist up to 2 hours before your journey.
https://www.crosscountrytrains.co.uk/customer-service/travel-assistance#passenger-assistance
Telephone 0800 030 9224
Northern Rail
Travel help and information – Northern Railway
Telephone 0800 138 5560
Travelling with a Mobility aid
All train operators in Manchester can carry manual or powered wheelchairs up to a maximum size of 700mm wide by 1200mm long and not exceeding a weight of 300kg including the passenger.
As there are a limited number of spaces available to wheelchair users on each train, it is important that you book your space in advance.
However, the rules for scooters are different for each operator as below:
If you are making a connection to an onward service with another operator, remember to check if you will need a permit for the connecting train.
Scooters up to a maximum size of 700mm wide by 1200mm long and not exceeding a weight of 300kg (including the passenger).
Trains have spaces in carriages that are clearly marked on the outside of the train. Wheelchair spaces are available within standard class accommodation only.
Cross Country Trains
Can carry scooters up to a maximum size of 700mm wide by 1200mm long and not exceeding a weight of 300kg (including the passenger).
However, please note when travelling with a mobility scooter, this must be folded and stowed in the luggage compartment
Northern Rail
To travel on Northern Rail, scooter users will need to join the new scooter scheme and, once approved, will receive a permit and a sticker for their scooter, depending on certain conditions being met.
Criteria for the scheme:
– The scooter must be a class 2 vehicle with a maximum speed of 4 mph
– Maximum length of 120cm and width of 70cm (standard wheelchair footprint)
– A turning radius no larger than 150cm
– Maximum weight, including rider is no more than 300kg (47 stone)
– Minimum climb ability of six degrees
– Must have anti-tip wheels fitted to the rear of the scooter.
Apply for a permit via Mobility Scooters | Travel Information | Northern (northernrailway.co.uk)
Further information Scooter_SHED.pdf (northernrailway.co.uk)
Scooters permit link
Travel Assistant Team are available to help with any bookings on 0800 138 5560
Metrolink Travel in Manchester
County advice overview
Key tips
You can find out about accessibility at stations on the Transport for Greater Manchester information website
Travel by tram | Transport for Greater Manchester (tfgm.com)
Just type the name of your station (or 3 letter code if you know it) and you can find out detailed information for that station under the various headings.
Planning a journey
My journey Manchester can help you plan your journey and help with train times and operators
https://tfgm.com/plan-a-journey
Help with costs
Senior Travel Pass
Travel pass for older people | Transport for Greater Manchester (tfgm.com)
A Senior travel pass is available to people over 60 and costs £10 for a years unlimited off peak travel on Metrolink and trains.
The Disabled Person’s travel pass
https://tfgm.com/tickets-and-passes/passes-for-disabled-people
The disabled person’s travel pass is free Monday – Friday 9:30- and midnight if you travel outside these times you must pay for a concessionary fair this pass last 5 years.
You are eligible for the Disabled Persons Railcard if you:
- receive Personal Independence Payments (PIP)
- receive Disability Living Allowance (DLA) at either:
the higher or lower rate for the mobility component, or
the higher or middle rate for the care component
- have a visual impairment
- have a hearing impairment
- have epilepsy
- receive Attendance Allowance or Severe Disablement Allowance
- receive War Pensioner’s Mobility Supplement
- receive War or Service Disablement Pension for 80% or more disability
- buy or lease a vehicle through the Motability scheme
Travel assistance
if you need assistance you can request this booking in advance – now up to 2 hours before your journey is due to start, any time of the day.
Passenger Assist is a national system used by all companies, which allows them to make the necessary arrangements for your journey.
How it works
If you have a disability, non-visible disability, or are elderly, you can pre-book journey assistance to make sure you get all the help you need for your journey, including changes, and connections that involve other train companies.
You can also “turn up and go” without booking assistance in advance. If you require assistance at short notice, make yourself known to a member of staff or use a Help Point when you arrive at the station.
Requesting Passenger Assistance Network Rail
Metrolink Customer Services – Telephone: 0161 205 2000 or email customerservices@metrolink.co.uk
Car Parking at the Tram Station
Most tram stops have a free parking park and ride scheme to encourage people to use the trams around Manchester.
Travelling with a Mobility aid
All tram operators can carry manual or powered wheelchairs up to a maximum size of 700mm wide by 1200mm long and not exceeding a weight of 300kg including the passenger.
As there are a limited number of spaces available to wheelchair users on each train, it is important that you book your space in advance.
However, the rules for scooters are different for each operator as below:
If you are making a connection to an onward service with another operator, remember to check if you will need a permit for the connecting tram.
There is a Customer Declaration Form online
Mobility Scooters on Metrolink Permit Scheme | Transport for Greater Manchester (tfgm.com)
You need to agree to these terms to travel on the tram with your scooter.