Avanti West Coast Train Company Faces Backlash for 'Virtue Signalling' Over Inaccurate Disability Representation
The UK's Avanti West Coast train company has come under fire from disability campaigners who claim the new train design is "virtue signalling without virtue". The "Together We Roll" livery features vibrant images of diverse people, culture, and joy, but two wheelchair users who are depicted together in one of the designs have pointed out that this is at odds with the reality of their own travel experiences.
In standard class, each train has only one wheelchair space, forcing individuals to take separate trains if they want to accompany a friend or family member. This disparity was highlighted by Alice Maynard, a lifelong wheelchair user and former Railtrack head of disability strategy, who posted about it on social media. She argued that instead of just showcasing inclusive imagery, the company should focus on increasing wheelchair spaces across all classes.
Paralympian and wheelchair user Anne Wafula Strike also voiced her concerns, stating that disabled people feel "disenfranchised" and that the current system is not a level playing field between individuals with disabilities and corporations. She recalled having to deal with inaccessible toilets on public transport in 2017, which left her feeling vulnerable.
Avanti West Coast has maintained that there has been no reduction in wheelchair spaces or changes to train layouts since they implemented the new design. However, critics argue that the images are more about "celebrating diversity" than providing meaningful representation for disabled people.
The company claims that the artwork was created to highlight their commitment to inclusivity and celebrate their diverse workforce and communities. Nevertheless, disability campaigners see this as a case of "virtue signalling without virtue", where the company is using imagery to appear inclusive but failing to deliver tangible benefits for wheelchair users.
The UK's Avanti West Coast train company has come under fire from disability campaigners who claim the new train design is "virtue signalling without virtue". The "Together We Roll" livery features vibrant images of diverse people, culture, and joy, but two wheelchair users who are depicted together in one of the designs have pointed out that this is at odds with the reality of their own travel experiences.
In standard class, each train has only one wheelchair space, forcing individuals to take separate trains if they want to accompany a friend or family member. This disparity was highlighted by Alice Maynard, a lifelong wheelchair user and former Railtrack head of disability strategy, who posted about it on social media. She argued that instead of just showcasing inclusive imagery, the company should focus on increasing wheelchair spaces across all classes.
Paralympian and wheelchair user Anne Wafula Strike also voiced her concerns, stating that disabled people feel "disenfranchised" and that the current system is not a level playing field between individuals with disabilities and corporations. She recalled having to deal with inaccessible toilets on public transport in 2017, which left her feeling vulnerable.
Avanti West Coast has maintained that there has been no reduction in wheelchair spaces or changes to train layouts since they implemented the new design. However, critics argue that the images are more about "celebrating diversity" than providing meaningful representation for disabled people.
The company claims that the artwork was created to highlight their commitment to inclusivity and celebrate their diverse workforce and communities. Nevertheless, disability campaigners see this as a case of "virtue signalling without virtue", where the company is using imagery to appear inclusive but failing to deliver tangible benefits for wheelchair users.
. Its not just about showing images of people with disabilities, its about creating real change and making travel accessible for everyone. Like Alice Maynard said, you can show inclusivity on the surface but still have crappy systems underneath 
. Avanti West Coast could be all like we care about accessibility but then dont follow through with it. Disability campaigners are spot on in saying this is more about virtue signalling than actual change 
. One wheel space in standard class? Not cool 
. Need more than just pretty pictures 
, need actual change 
. They talk about celebrating diversity, but what about accessibility? 
. Can't just show inclusive images and expect people 2 forget they got disabilities 
. Train company say they haven't reduced spaces, but that's not the point 
. Point is, if u gonna do it, do it right 
!
I think it's a bit rich that Avanti West Coast is being accused of 'virtue signalling' when their attempt at inclusivity is actually doing some good – albeit imperfectly. They're trying to acknowledge the importance of representation, which is a step in the right direction. We should be supporting companies like this one that are actively working to improve accessibility and diversity 
. Its not just about the images, its about the experience of wheelchair users in real life, which is a whole different story 
.
. I mean, Avanti West Coast's new train design is literally a great idea – it should be celebrated! But no, instead of actually making changes that would benefit people with disabilities (like increasing wheelchair spaces), they're just showcasing some cute pics of diverse folks and calling it a day 
. That being said, I do love the enthusiasm behind their new design... if only they'd translate it into actual progress 
So the train company wants to be all about diversity and inclusion... huh 
. I mean, it's great that they're trying to showcase a rainbow of people on their trains, but let's not forget that actually having a functional wheelchair space isn't just about optics, you know? 
It's about actual accessibility for people who need it. Like, imagine being on a train and you're stuck in standard class because the only accessible seat is taken by your friend with a disability 
. Not exactly "together we roll" vibes, am I right? 
.
. More wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets... that's what matters 
. Anything less is just virtue signalling without doing anything about it 
by avanti west coast train company's new design 
they're trying to be all inclusivity and diversity vibes 
but it turns out they're still not giving disabled people the respect they deserve 
alice maynard is literally a legend for calling them out on this 
and anne wafula strike has my heart 
wheelchair users need more than just pretty pictures, we need actual change 
... can't they just be honest about what they've done or haven't done regarding wheelchair spaces? And yeah, it's a bit weird that there's only one wheelchair space in standard class, but maybe they're planning to increase those soon? I mean, wouldn't it be great if there were more wheelchair-accessible spaces on their trains?! 
Maybe the new design is a step in the right direction, even if it's not perfect. And maybe disability campaigners are just being too harsh on them... I mean, can't we all just get along and celebrate diversity? 
... or is that exactly what's wrong with this situation? 
People with disabilities are just as deserving of representation and joy as anyone else. And sure, there might be a few accessibility issues here and there, but that doesn't mean the whole design is flawed. It's like saying someone only gets credit for showing up if they actually brought a check 
. The fact that disability campaigners are getting so worked up over it just makes me think they're being kinda dramatic 
.
I feel like Avanti West Coast is trying to be a good friend by showcasing inclusive imagery, but it's not enough 
