New software increases the accessibility of the railway website

Train operator Northern has added extra features to its website to make it more accessible when checking train times or the latest information about its services.

New features have become possible thanks to a new program called Recite me that enables users to view and use the website in a way that is best for them.

A customer using the Northern WhatsApp messaging service. // Source: North

Recite Me allows users to change the font, size and color of text on the page they are viewing or use the read-aloud feature.

Designed to be used by a wide range of people, including those who are neurodiverse or visually impaired, it can also be used by anyone who does not speak English as a first language, as it can translate website information into over 100 different languages.

Northern unit 769 at Bolton - Network Rail — Northern unit 769 at Bolton // Source: Network Rail

The site also features a new AI-powered chatbot that allows customers to interact with a member of Northern’s Customer Service Center.

If you do not want to use the chatbot, anyone with a question or complaint can still contact the Customer Service Center by phone or speak to a station employee.

The improvements to the website come after Northern made improvements to its updating, making it quicker and easier to apply for a refund, make a complaint or make an inquiry.

Northern's Neurodiverse Employee Advisory Panel. // Source: North — Northern’s Neurodiverse Employee Advisory Panel. // Source: North

“Implementing technologies like Recite Me on the website makes information more accessible, giving people with disabilities greater confidence when traveling.
“Too often, the way information is presented can exclude people. Incorporating choice and flexibility into the website in this way will reduce barriers and make it easier to work with Northern.
“Children, older people, people with visual impairments and people with learning difficulties such as dyslexia and dyspraxia are just some of the people who could benefit from making the site more accessible in this way.”

Mark Cutter, chair of Northern’s Accessibility User Group