Southeastern is continuing to make rail travel easier and more accessible for all with the opening of a Changing Places toilet at Margate.
The facility supports people with a range of needs that aren’t met by standard accessible toilets.
It’s the first toilet of its kind to open at a station managed by Southeastern and includes specialist features, including height-adjustable changing bench, hoist, adjustable sink, shower, and additional space for wheelchairs and carers.
Tina Owusu, Southeastern's Head of Inclusive Customer Experience, said:
"Margate is the perfect location for Southeastern’s first-ever Changing Places toilet as thousands of families pass through the station every year.
"We are working hard to improve accessibility and this will open up travel opportunities to people who otherwise may not have been able to travel by train."
As well as being available to passengers, the facility is also open to members of the public. It’s located on Platform 1 and can be accessed using a RADAR key.
The project was delivered with support from Muscular Dystrophy UK and CareSpaces. It was funded by the Department for Transport.
Rob Burley, Director of Care, Campaigns and Support at Muscular Dystrophy UK, said:
“We are delighted that Southeastern has opened its first Changing Places toilet, demonstrating a real commitment to opening up the rail network to as many people as possible. We know that without Changing Places toilets, an estimated 250,000 people across the UK, including many with a muscle wasting and weakening condition, are forced to limit their journeys and may even feel unable to travel outside of their home.
“Muscular Dystrophy UK is proud to co-chair the Changing Places Consortium and to have worked with the team at Southeastern and the Department of Transport to make this possible.”
Simon Lightwood MP, Minister for Local Transport, said:
“We are committed to championing the rights of disabled people and those with restricted mobility, enabling everyone to travel with confidence.
“Having a Changing Places facility in Margate is important for disabled people using the station – supporting them to travel how they want.”
Full details of the locations of Changing Places facilities, and how to access them, can be found on the Changing Places website.
