More than 70 staff from TransPennine Express learn sign language
Dozens of staff at train operator TransPennine Express (TPE) are learning sign language to help make rail journeys easier for hearing-impaired customers.
So far, more than 70 colleagues, including conductors and customer-facing teams, have completed a course in basic British Sign Language (BSL).
The sessions include teaching everyday phrases such as greetings, numbers and common customer service interactions, as well as terms regularly used on the railway covering tickets, platforms and delays.
According to the Royal National Institute for Deaf People, one in three adults in the UK are deaf, have hearing loss or tinnitus.
It is estimated that there are 25,000 people who use sign language as their main language across the UK.
Andrew McClements, Customer Experience and Transformation Director at TransPennine Express, said: “We’re proud of the enthusiasm our colleagues have shown in taking part in this training. We’re hoping it will help break down barriers and make rail travel more inclusive for everyone who uses our services.”
The course also includes an introduction to deaf awareness, helping staff better understand the needs of passengers and how best to support them throughout their journey.
Run by Deafero5, the voluntary programme has proved popular with colleagues, with more than 90 additional spaces available for staff to take part in the coming months.