Northern rolls out additional accessibility features on its website

Recite Me has been installed so people can view and use the website in the way that works best for them.

The new software allows people to change the font, text size and text colour or use a read-aloud function.

It is designed to be used by a wide range of people, including neurodivergent people and those with visual impairments.

Recite Me can also be used to help customers who do not speak English as a first language, as it can translate information on the website into more than 100 different languages. 

Mark Cutter, chair of Northern's Accessibility User Group (NAUG), said: "Implementing technologies like Recite Me into the website makes information more accessible, which gives disabled people more confidence to travel. 

"Too often the way that information is presented can exclude people. Embedding choice and flexibility into the website in this way will reduce barriers, and facilitate engagement with Northern.

"Children, older people, those with visual impairments and those with learning differences such as dyslexia and dyspraxia are just some of those who can benefit from making the website more accessible in this way."

Mark Powles, Commercial and Customer Director at Northern, said: “Recite Me is a great tool and will make it easier for customers to use our website so they can book tickets and find all of the information they need.

“We are always working to make our services more accessible and inclusive to give everyone the confidence to travel by train.

“But we also realise there is more to be done to improve accessibility and we’re always open to feedback from our customers.”

It comes after Northern made it faster and easier for people to claim refunds, submit complaints and make enquiries following a separate website upgrade.

The site now features a new AI-assisted chat bot which can help put customers in touch with a member of Northern’s Customer Experience Centre (CEC).

People with enquiries and complaints can still contact the operator’s CEC over the phone and speak to a member of staff at a station.

Northern is the second largest train operator in the UK, with 2,500 services a day to more than 500 stations across the North of England.