because everybody should be able to use transport
We caught up with Nathaniel after a new lift was installed at Daisy Hill rail station, improving accessibility for passengers. The installation was part of the Access for All programme, to provide step-free access at rail stations.
You can read a transcript of our full chat with Nathaniel below.
What was Daisy Hill station like before Access for All?
"So I think they were just stairs. The people that had disabilities, like wheelchair users, couldn't get down it and people with walking impairments would really struggle. Parents with buggies would also really struggle."
What does Access for All at Daisy Hill mean to you?
"Well, for the local residents, it's amazing.
"It really means a lot to disabled people because it puts us on a level playing field with people that don't have impairments to be able to get to the station and get down and use the actual train.
"And the lift, which apparently took six months to install, is amazing and will be the first step of an incredible journey because there should be more stations to become accessible and more campaigning for me."
Why is step-free access important?
"It's important because everybody should be able to use the trains no matter of your impairment. No matter if you're disabled, you're a wheelchair user, somebody with a walking impairment, travelling with a buggy or somebody with a bike.
"The lifts are so convenient for people to get down it helps everybody to get where they need to go, from point A to point B."
Talking specifically about rail, what are some future steps you'd like to see taken to further improve accessibility across rail?
"I would like to see more stations become accessible.
"I know TfGM have got a rolling programme which is very good. Hopefully Reddish North will be next, or one of the next ones to be done. That would be amazing for me and the people that have disabilities in Reddish and Stockport, because we will be able to use it.
"Everywhere be accessible eventually. That's the dream. Step-free access at every station."
What accessibility measures would you like to see brought in across the Bee Network in the future?
"People being consulted, such as the disability groups, to make everything accessible and a lot more convenient for people.
"Make it the best Bee Network we can for everybody - all inclusive."
Watch the video with Nathaniel and Damian at the launch of the new lift at Daisy Hill
More information
Funding
The improvements are funded by the Department for Transport’s Access for All scheme and Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA).
