Avanti West Coast's New Train Livery Sparks Backlash Over Disparity Between Reality and Image.
The UK train operator has faced criticism for its new livery featuring images of wheelchair users enjoying a journey together. However, campaigners claim the design does not reflect the harsh reality of travelling with a disability on these trains.
The problem lies in the fact that each standard class carriage only has one wheelchair space, forcing two friends or family members who are wheelchair users to take separate trains if they want to travel together. This disparity between the image and the reality of travelling is being described by wheelchair user and campaigner Alice Maynard as "virtue signalling without the virtue".
Alice, a lifetime wheelchair user, believes that rather than just showcasing images that do not represent the real experience of travelling with a disability, Avanti should focus on increasing wheelchair spaces on their trains to provide better accessibility for all passengers.
Anne Wafula Strike, another prominent wheelchair user and campaigner for improved accessibility, also expressed her disappointment at the design, stating that disabled people feel disenfranchised and that it is difficult to challenge such issues. She fears that with transport becoming increasingly inaccessible, disabled people are being excluded from the level playing field, where corporations dominate.
Avanti West Coast has responded by saying that there has been no change in wheelchair spaces on their trains, but they acknowledge that some customers may be upset by certain imagery. The company claims the design was inspired by frontline colleagues and aims to highlight the importance of inclusivity, which is at odds with the harsh reality faced by many wheelchair users.
The controversy highlights the need for greater representation and accessibility in public transport, as well as the importance of listening to the concerns of disabled passengers when designing infrastructure.
The UK train operator has faced criticism for its new livery featuring images of wheelchair users enjoying a journey together. However, campaigners claim the design does not reflect the harsh reality of travelling with a disability on these trains.
The problem lies in the fact that each standard class carriage only has one wheelchair space, forcing two friends or family members who are wheelchair users to take separate trains if they want to travel together. This disparity between the image and the reality of travelling is being described by wheelchair user and campaigner Alice Maynard as "virtue signalling without the virtue".
Alice, a lifetime wheelchair user, believes that rather than just showcasing images that do not represent the real experience of travelling with a disability, Avanti should focus on increasing wheelchair spaces on their trains to provide better accessibility for all passengers.
Anne Wafula Strike, another prominent wheelchair user and campaigner for improved accessibility, also expressed her disappointment at the design, stating that disabled people feel disenfranchised and that it is difficult to challenge such issues. She fears that with transport becoming increasingly inaccessible, disabled people are being excluded from the level playing field, where corporations dominate.
Avanti West Coast has responded by saying that there has been no change in wheelchair spaces on their trains, but they acknowledge that some customers may be upset by certain imagery. The company claims the design was inspired by frontline colleagues and aims to highlight the importance of inclusivity, which is at odds with the harsh reality faced by many wheelchair users.
The controversy highlights the need for greater representation and accessibility in public transport, as well as the importance of listening to the concerns of disabled passengers when designing infrastructure.
I'm so tired of these tokenistic gestures that just don't cut it! I mean, a train company trying to show off how inclusive they are by featuring wheelchair users on their train but not actually doing anything to make those trains accessible? It's like, what's the point? They're essentially saying 'look at us, we care' without actually putting in the effort to change things. 
, it's just not being realist 
. I mean, they're showing these happy wheelchair users enjoying a journey together in standard class, but let me tell you, if you're a wheelchair user, that's not how it works at all 
. It's just not fair 
. They should be focusing on increasing wheelchair spaces on their trains, making it easier for everyone to get around without restrictions 
. This livery just comes across as virtue signalling without the actual change 
.
.
They could also ask people with disabilities for feedback when designing new things. It's like, if you want to make something inclusive, you have to listen to the people who need it most.
Show us some real progress, not just a pretty face 
. I mean, what's with the image of able-bodied people having fun together? Don't get me wrong, inclusivity is great, but doesn't it just highlight how hard it is to find space for wheelchair users? 
It's like they're saying "Hey, we care about accessibility... by showing you a hypothetical scenario where it actually works 
". Let's focus on increasing those wheelchair spaces and making trains more accessible, not just giving out feel-good vibes 
. I mean, it's great that they're trying to be inclusive and all, but come on, have you seen the trains? It's like, one wheelchair space per carriage... that's not inclusive, that's just basic! 
they're trying to be all inclusive with images of wheelchair users but in reality they only have one wheelchair space per carriage which is like a total scam 
i mean can't they just add more seats or something? it's not that hard 
, but at the same time, I feel like they're just going through the motions without actually making any real changes 
. I mean, who hasn't heard of a train with only one wheelchair space? 
I'm kinda torn...
I'm like totally disappointed in Avanti West Coast right now!