Virgin Trains provides First Class service for guide and assistance dogs

During 2008, Canine Partners, Dogs for the Disabled, Guide Dogs, Hearing Dogs and Support Dogs are working together as Assistance Dogs UK (ADUK), promoting rights of access to transport, restaurants, shops and other services for assistance dog users.

After alighting at Birmingham International station, the five passengers – with canine companions – presented a Dog Star award to Bob Powell, Virgin Trains’ on board services manager.

Dog Stars are symbols of excellence, given in recognition that transport operators and other services meet the needs of all assistance dog owners. Virgin Trains received particular praise for Braille signage and passenger announcements aboard its trains. Hearing impaired passengers benefit from in-carriage display screens, whilst space is made available for wheelchair users, who board and alight using train-to-platform ramps. Virgin Trains was also applauded for making ‘watering holes’ available for dogs at its stations.

Alan Brooks, Chairman of ADUK, explains: “Although there are many examples of good practice, assistance dog users continue to encounter problems accessing some modes of public transport. We’re therefore extremely grateful to Virgin Trains for leading the way, making guide dogs and other assistance dogs welcome aboard its services.”

For further information, and links to ADUK member charity websites – where Dog Star nominations can be made – log on to www.assistancedogs.org.uk