Northern is planning to introduce British Sign Language (BSL) announcements on all of its services, following a successful trial.
The announcements were first trialled on trains travelling between York, Leeds and Manchester last year, to provide important information to customers with hearing impairments.
The technology, developed by software experts from InfoTec and Signapse, ensures that a sign language interpreter appears on the on-board screens to tell customers which station they are approaching.
After receiving positive feedback from customers during the trial, Northern is planning to introduce them on all of its services in 2025.
The interpreters will be filmed signing each station, before AI editing software uses the clips to create the video announcements for customers.
Northern is now exploring long-term plans to introduce BSL announcements which provide customers with information about cancellations, delays and other incidents.
Matt Rice, chief operating officer, said:
“It’s fantastic to see these sign language announcements have been well received by our customers during the recent trial and we can now press ahead with rolling them out on all of our services.
“We’re constantly working make our services more accessible and give people with specific needs the confidence to travel by train.”
Census data in 2021 showed that in addition to spoken languages, BSL was the main language of 22,000 people across the UK.
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.

Yorkshire firm raises £1,760 for Skipton children's charity
Tourist tax ‘has to be done right’, says North Yorkshire Mayor
Nearly two million visits made to North Yorkshire libraries in a year
Julian Smith calls for better support for children with PDA in schools
Giggleswick School named finalist for regional award
Councillor 'disappointed' in transport links in Keighley and Ilkley
Skipton hotel nominated for national business award
Council rejects rumours that housing for the homeless would accommodate asylum seekers
Northern expands mobility scooter access across its train fleet
Retiring North Yorkshire Council chief executive gets pay package of almost £245,000
Skipton pubs win Best High Street Pub in local awards
North Yorkshire residents urged to recycle more household waste
Dental practice shortlisted for six categories at Private Dentistry Awards
Local teachers urged to apply for UK Parliament’s Teacher Ambassador Programme
Skipton woman celebrates 70th birthday trading gifts for donations to Yorkshire Air Ambulance
MPs urge Prime Minister to make A64 dualling a priority
Love Boutique Skipton reopens at new location after rising costs force move
Skipton's longest running opticians expands to Ilkley
Care group's projects shortlisted for Bradford Cares Excellence Award
Skipton residents urged to have their say on long-term transport plans


