PEOPLE who use mobility scooters can now travel to and from another 8 stations on the Northern network.

The mobility aids can be used by customers with a permit at Chesterfield, Deansgate, Headbolt Lane, Prescott, Rainhill, Salford Central, Salford Crescent and Kent’s Bank, following the expansion of Northern’s mobility scooter programme.

It means 179 stations across 28 routes on the train operator's network are now mobility scooter friendly.

Maxine Myers, accessibility improvement manager at Northern, said:- "We are constantly evolving this scheme and have listened to feedback from customers and members of our accessibility user group to open up more opportunities for people who use a mobility scooter to travel. I'm delighted that we have been able to expand this programme and hope we can continue to do so in the future." 

Alex Hornby, customer and commercial director at Northern, said:- “This is an important step towards making stations and services across our vast network more accessible. We are determined to give everyone the confidence to travel by train. Despite the progress we are making, we are not complacent and will continue to deliver more improvements in our efforts to build a better railway for all. We always welcome feedback from customers so we can make improvements and provide the best possible service.”

Anyone travelling on a mobility scooter must obtain a permit from Northern, to ensure the model can be used to safely board services and it will not tip over or become stuck on the train.

The scheme is free and registered passengers are given a personalised sticker that must be placed on the pre-assessed vehicle. Users are also provided with a card in case their scooter does not have a suitable place to display the sticker.

Customers can find more information on Northern’s Mobility Scooter Permit Scheme and submit an application here.

Mobility scooters, electric wheelchairs and other aids used by people with reduced mobility are exempt from Northern’s ban on certain battery-powered devices.

The operator and many other public transport companies in the UK do not allow passengers to bring e-scooters, hoverboards and e-skateboards on their services, as they can overheat and cause fires.