UK train operator Greater Anglia has taken action for an accessibly boosting website upgrade which will afford visitors with simplified access to online content and services, in a way that better suits their individual needs.
Coming as part of the organisation’s overall accessibility strategy, people visiting the website will now have access to a wide range of support tools that allow users to customise their digital experience through a partnership with an innovative assistive technology company.
It is currently estimated that up to 20% of the UK’s population could experience obtrusive barriers whilst trying to utilise online content due to having a disability, learning difficulty, visual impartment or if they might speak English as their second language. Removing these barriers is essential to giving passengers full autonomy as they attempt to traverse the rail network.
The innovative new assistive toolbar on Greater Anglia’s website incorporates a screen reading functionality, a plethora of reading aids, customisable styling variants and an on-demand live translation feature that offers over 100 languages, including 65 text to speech and styling options.
James Bonehill, Greater Anglia’s Accessibility & Inclusion Manager spoke about this announcement, saying:
“Accessibility is extremely important to us, and we are committed to ensuring that all of our customers can access information and services in a way that best meets their individual needs.
“Therefore, we are incredibly proud to be able to provide Recite Me’s innovative assistive technology across our website.”
As the UK rail network venture further and further into the integration of a new, digitalised technologies, those who are less digitally native run the risk of being left behind in certain instances, with the internet being an intimidating place for those with access barrier. Through this new initiative, Greater Anglia look to welcome modernisation of operations, whilst ensuring the human element of rail travel is not left behind in the process.
To explore using the Recite Me accessibility support tool, anyone can visit the Greater Anglia website and click the ‘Accessibility Tools’ link at the top right corner of the website.
Want to know more about the opportunities to become a key supplier to the UK rail industry? Attend TransCityRail and access an exclusive marketplace of buyers from Network Rail, HS2, Train Operators, Major Contractors, and all other tiers of the supply chain. For more information and to secure your place click here.
