The Campaign for Family-Friendly Trains has welcomed changes to the key rail industry document used during the procurement and design of new and refurbished trains. The updated Key Train Requirements document (version 7), released in July 2023 by the Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB), includes new clauses covering family-friendly travel. The Campaign for Family-FriendlyContinue reading “Key Train Requirements document sets the standard for family-friendly travel”
Author Archives: familyfriendlytrains
A campaign for family-friendly trains in 1858
The calling for improvements in facilities for families on British trains has a long history, stretching right into the nineteenth century. Whenever the campaign comes across previous advocates for improved family travel, they are unified in what they are facing up to. Transport organisations shape what facilities should be available to families, what fares toContinue reading “A campaign for family-friendly trains in 1858”
A Perfect Family-Friendly Rail Trip
What would the perfect family friendly trip be like? Imagine travelling alone with three children (a baby, a toddler and a taciturn adolescent) from a busy London station and back again.
2022 – The year in review
2022 has been our biggest year yet. We’ve had some big successes, while also laying the groundwork for some bigger wins next year and in the future. Here are some highlights: Family-friendly scorecard In January we launched a family-friendly scorecard to assess train operating companies against a series of family-friendly metrics such as the availabilityContinue reading “2022 – The year in review”
Family-friendly pledge, Family lounge and CFFT on the airwaves!
Family-Friendly Pledge During our campaign we’ve found that mistakes made in the past have a long legacy – it’s why existing rolling stock used by most train operators doesn’t have space for unfolded buggies. It may not be feasible for all train operators to immediately change their train layouts, but they can avoid making theContinue reading “Family-friendly pledge, Family lounge and CFFT on the airwaves!”
Campaign Update
Well, what busy bees we’ve been. When we last wrote a full campaign update back in November we’d just started meeting the ROSCOs (rolling stock companies – companies that own the trains). We’ve since met with almost all the ROSCOs and many of the main train manufacturers, caught up with some of the TOCs (trainContinue reading “Campaign Update”
Avanti West Coast train refurbishment: Campaign groups condemn failure to provide facilities for young families
The Campaign for Family Friendly Trains and campaign group Pregnant then Screwed join together to express disappointment that recent upgrades to Avanti West Coast fleet makes no provision for unfolded prams. Avanti West Coast have recently upgraded their Pendolino fleet, describing it as an inclusive design. Despite being billed as the UK’s biggest ever trainContinue reading “Avanti West Coast train refurbishment: Campaign groups condemn failure to provide facilities for young families”
The reality of travelling by train with a baby
Picture the scene: You’re standing on the platform of your local train station, off to visit your parents.
Designers show potential of family-friendly train interiors in the UK
The Campaign for Family-Friendly Trains has welcomed a new train interior concept from transport design consultancy PriestmanGoode that includes space for unfolded prams and pushchairs. The Campaign for Family-Friendly Trains met with PriestmanGoode during the design process to offer feedback and influence the design. The design is being demonstrated in Marylebone Station until Sunday 3rdContinue reading “Designers show potential of family-friendly train interiors in the UK “
Campaign for Family-Friendly Trains launches national scorecard
The Campaign for Family-Friendly Trains has reached out to all Train Operating Companies asking them to self-evaluate against a series of family-friendly metrics such as the availability of space for unfolded prams on trains and whether assisted boarding has been extended to those travelling with young children. Nick Flynn from the Campaign commented: ‘Train travelContinue reading “Campaign for Family-Friendly Trains launches national scorecard”