Tyne and Wear Metro becomes first rail network to fully install tactile paving for blind travellers

The Tyne and Wear Metro has become the first rail network in the UK to add tactile paving to all of its stations, in a bit to make travel safer for visually impaired passengers.

The flooring - which creates a ridge and has bumps and a a solid line to warm users they're close to an edge - has now been fully installed at all 60 platforms

The manager of the Operator Nexus project, Vicky Campbell, said: "Accessibility is very high on our priority and something we're going to keep improving."

The network has also invested in dual height handrails, is beginning to install tactile paving on staircases and is introducing new trains with a sliding step to give smooth access to the train.

RNIB Campaigners and NE Action on Transport have worked closely with Nexus on the project.

Campaigner Hazel Hyland said: "Having Nexus do this now, being the first in England to actually have all the tactile paving on all the platform edges, it's a huge help.

"It means that if I need to go somewhere on my own I feel safer.  I wish other places would do the same."

48 stations already had the tactile paving and, since 2021, work has been carried out on the remaining 12 stations to bring all 60 in to line with campaigners' requests.

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