Confidence to Travel: Empowering Everyone to Use the Welsh Rail Network
- Dan Coast
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
For many, a train journey is a simple part of daily life. However, for those living with disabilities or facing other travel barriers, navigating a station or boarding a carriage can feel like a daunting challenge.
To bridge this gap, Transport for Wales (TfW), with funding from the Welsh Government, is offering the ‘Confidence to Travel’ initiative. This program is designed to help organisations and community groups empower the people they represent, boosting their independence and improving their overall health and wellbeing through accessible rail travel.
How the Scheme Works
The initiative is built on flexibility. While every session can be adapted to meet the specific needs of your organisation, a typical experience includes two key phases:
1. The Introduction
An informal talk with your group to demystify the process of rail travel. Covering essential topics such as:
Identifying and overcoming personal barriers to travel.
Mastering digital tools like the TfW Travel App and website.
How to use the Journey Checker and book tickets with confidence.
An overview of the Assisted Travel scheme and how to access support.
2. The Familiarisation Journey
The best way to build confidence is through experience. TfW organises complimentary journeys for groups of up to 12 people. Accompanied by a dedicated Community Rail Ambassador, the group will:
Explore the Station: Take a guided tour to find ticket vending machines, information screens, lifts, and ticket offices.
Meet the Team: Get to know on-train staff, station personnel, and officers from the British Transport Police.
Experience the Ride: Undertake a purposeful journey (typically up to an hour) to see how the network operates firsthand.
A day out on the train
Journeys aren't just about the destination; they’re about the joy of the trip. Sessions from Newport can take advantage of a free journey on the network to a local station such as Hereford in the North, or Barry Island to the south.
Upon arrival, you usually head to a local café for a drink and a slice of cake—providing the perfect relaxed environment for participants to ask questions and share their thoughts. Many of the destinations feature short, circular walks that are fully wheelchair friendly, ensuring everyone can enjoy the fresh air.
Plan Your Visit
To ensure a comfortable and quiet environment, these journeys are available Monday to Friday, departing after the morning rush at 09:30 and concluding by 15:00.
Interested in booking for your group? We invite representatives from local organisations to get in touch to arrange a tailored session.
Contact: Clare Harries, Community Rail Ambassador
Email: clare.harries@tfw.wales
