Great Western Coffee Shop

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-45656560

A step in the right direction to help avoid some of the disgraceful incidents which have befallen disabled customers recently.

hopefully, it 'encourages' those needing assistance to actually accept this

Sarah ward pictured on the BBC page is also a great supporter of the Pilning Station campaign.
And spends a lot of her time on trains here there and everywhere.

A step in the right direction.

However, there is still more that the rail industry should be doing to provide equality to the disabled. An app doesn't prevent disabled toilets being locked out of use. An app doesn't prevent discriminatory behaviour of staff toward the disabled. An app may not be of use to those with certain disabilities.

It's a very welcome addition to the Passenger Assistance service. It is not a panacea though.

Agree on all points.

Sarah Ward (I think) was on television this morning describing some of the indignities which she has suffered on the railways with great patience and forbearance

The BBC presenters could hardly believe some of the incidents described.

Fundamentally there needs to be a cultural shift on behalf of the railways and some of the outdated attitudes & cynicism towards disabled/assistance issues (unfortunately sometimes displayed within this esteemed forum) before real change will come - that's the real challenge but initiatives like this are a good step forward.