East Midlands Railway (EMR), operated by Transport UK, has launched a new series of Symbol‑Friendly Station Guides aimed at making rail travel clearer, calmer and more accessible for passengers of all abilities.
The operator has become the first official Symbol‑Friendly train company in the UK, working in partnership with visual communication specialists Widgit Software to develop the guides.
Designed to support passengers who may find traditional signage challenging, the guides combine plain English with clear, recognisable Widgit Symbols. Each symbol represents a word or concept, allowing information to be presented visually in a way that is easy to understand and reassuring for customers navigating busy station environments.
The initiative is expected to be particularly beneficial for autistic people, individuals with additional needs, and those with communication difficulties who may experience anxiety when travelling. By accessing the guides in advance, customers can familiarise themselves with station layouts and understand what to expect before they travel.
Each guide includes essential station information such as entrances and exits, ticket facilities, platforms, step‑free access, and where customers can find assistance from staff. The guides are available online and can be viewed or downloaded ahead of a journey, supporting greater independence and confidence.
Philippa Cresswell, Customer Experience Director at East Midlands Railway, said:
"We want rail travel to be accessible and welcoming for everyone.
"These new Symbol-Friendly Station Guides are a practical step forward, helping customers better understand our stations and travel with greater confidence."
The move reinforces EMR’s wider commitment to accessibility and inclusive design, and reflects growing momentum across the rail sector to ensure stations and services work for every passenger.
Image credit: East Midlands Railway
