Stop by Stop line guide Rail 74 CRP
Case Study: Inclusivity Matters – Making Rail Travel More Accessible
Overview
Rail 74 Community Rail Partnership’s Inclusivity Matters programme was developed to help people feel confident, informed and supported when using the railway.
For many people, particularly those with autism, anxiety, or additional support needs, travelling by train can feel overwhelming. Through practical resources, supported journeys and partnerships with local organisations, Inclusivity Matters has worked to make the railway more understandable and welcoming.
One key output of this programme is the “Stop by Stop” accessible rail guide, developed to provide clear and simple explanations of the Rail 74 line and the communities it connects.
The project demonstrates how community rail partnerships, rail operators and specialist organisations can work together to reduce barriers to travel and build confidence in public transport.
The Challenge
Rail travel can be difficult for some people because it involves:
- unfamiliar environments
- sensory stimulation such as noise or crowds
- uncertainty about procedures like ticketing or boarding
- anxiety about getting something wrong
For people with autism or other additional needs, these barriers can prevent them from travelling independently or even attempting a journey.
Rail 74 recognised that accessible information and supportive experiences were key to improving confidence and independence in travel.
The Solution: Accessible Information & Supported Travel
Through the Inclusivity Matters programme, Rail 74 worked with communities, rail operators and specialist organisations to create tools that make rail travel easier to understand.
A central output was the Stop by Stop guide, which explains:
- how to buy a ticket
- how to board and leave trains
- what happens during a journey
- what facilities exist at stations
- what to expect on the platform or train
The guide also includes clear explanations of sensory experiences, such as tunnels, loud noises and busy stations, helping travellers prepare in advance for parts of the journey that may otherwise feel overwhelming.
Each station along the **Rail 74 line — from Rutherglen to Motherwell — is introduced with:
- photographs of the station
- information about facilities
- nearby places and community attractions
- local history and context**
This helps users feel familiar with stations before they arrive, reducing uncertainty and anxiety.
Working in Partnership
The success of Inclusivity Matters has relied on strong collaboration and partnership working.
The project was delivered by Rail 74 Community Rail Partnership with valued support from:
- ScotRail
- CrossCountry
- Avanti West Coast
The project also benefited from the knowledge and lived experience shared by National Autistic Society South Lanarkshire, whose contribution helped shape the accessibility and relevance of the resources.
Together, these partnerships ensured the project was practical, inclusive and grounded in real community need.
Impact
The Inclusivity Matters programme has now reached over 500 people through a combination of resources, community engagement, learning opportunities and supported travel experiences.
Participants reported:
Increased Confidence
Many people felt more confident using trains, including taking journeys they had previously avoided.
Reduced Anxiety
Clear explanations of the travel process helped reduce fear of the unknown.
Greater Independence
Participants developed the skills and understanding needed to plan and complete journeys independently.
Improved Community Connection
Access to transport enables people to reach education, employment, healthcare and social opportunities.
Wider Community Value
Community Rail Partnerships play an important role in ensuring the railway works for everyone.
Through projects like Inclusivity Matters, Rail 74 demonstrates how rail can:
- support inclusive transport
- improve community wellbeing
- connect people to opportunities
- encourage sustainable travel
By making rail travel easier to understand, more people can access the benefits of public transport and feel part of their community.
Looking Ahead
Inclusivity Matters forms part of Rail 74’s wider commitment to making the railway welcoming, inclusive and accessible to all.
Future work will continue to build on this foundation by:
- developing further inclusive travel resources
- supporting community-led projects along the line
- creating more opportunities for people to experience rail travel in a supportive and positive way.