TN7301 Iss 1

This TN provides guidance on the use of portable ramps and background information on the relevant requirements in the Accessibility National Technical Specification Notice (ACC NTSN) and the Railway Interoperability Regulations (RIR).

For passengers with reduced mobility, boarding and alighting from trains is a key issue. The ideal is ‘level’ or ‘unassisted’ boarding, but this is not easy to achieve at most current GB platforms with current rolling stock, and boarding ramps are used to allow passengers to board or alight. The ACC NTSN sets a limit of 18% (10.2°) on the maximum slope of these ramps. Application of this limit at particular locations is causing difficulty for train and station operators. The issue is particularly marked where platforms are low, train floors are high and platforms are relatively narrow, restricting the turning circle for the wheelchair user.