Railway staff learning sign language (credit TransPennine Express)
A charity is warning that public transport can be effectively barred to people who are deaf or have limited hearing.
A report called Clear Signals has been published by the RNID, which says that 18 million people have hearing difficulties, and find that public transport is difficult to use, because their handicap is not always taken into account by operators.
The report says that barriers include the inability for people with hearing loss to obtain critical information, while staff are often not aware of how they should help. These barriers can make even everyday journeys feel impossible, requiring immense emotional effort and planning.
As a result, people with hearing loss describe journeys by public transport as ‘stressful’, ‘overwhelming’ and even ‘chaotic’. Others said they are forced to restrict or adapt their travel, and in some cases, stop using public transport altogether – affecting their ability to work, socialise and travel independently.
In the report, 41 per cent of passengers who are deaf or have hearing loss said barriers limit their independence while 35 per cent said they avoid using public transport whenever possible.
Produced with funding from the Motability Foundation, the RNID’s report is the first published focusing specifically on the real-life experiences of people who are deaf or have hearing loss on public transport.
The RNID is calling for coordinated action by governments, regulators, transport authorities, operators and manufacturers including policy and regulatory reform to enable a consistent approach to accessible information. This should include alignment of legal requirements for audio information and an obligation to make audio information more accessible to people with hearing loss.
There should also be support for innovation through investment in trials of new technology such as Auracast.
Many train operators have taken action, however. TransPennine Express has taught basic British Sign Language to more than 70 staff, while GWR offers downloadable travel assistance and hard-of-hearing cards. Induction loops have been installed at many ticket offices.
The RNID’s director of insight and policy Victoria Boelman said: ‘No one relishes the idea of a rush-hour journey on public transport, but if you are deaf or have hearing loss, everyday journeys can seem like an impossible prospect that leave millions feeling lost, anxious and often simply unable to get where they need to be.
‘In 2026, it’s completely wrong that millions of people are at the mercy of a transport network that fails to meet their needs. Now is the time for coordinated action from the Government and transport sector, so everyone has the opportunity for safe and independent travel.’
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