Nick Bewes

8:00am - Noon

Email the studio

DNA & Suzanne Vega

Tom's Diner

Listen Live Podcasts

Northern to introduce British Sign Language announcements on all trains

Tuesday, 1 October 2024 08:42

British Sign Language (BSL) announcements will be made on all Northern trains.

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.

More from Local news

Skipton Gala announce Gala Queen and attendants

Organisers of Skipton Gala have announced the Gala Queen and attendants who will represent the event during the lead-up to next year’s celebrations.
Skipton children's charity delighted to open 3rd respite home in Primrose Valley

The Principle Trust Children’s Charity is proud to announce the opening of its third fully accessible respite holiday home, located at Haven Holiday Park, Primrose Valley in Filey.
Tribute cruise to raise money for Skipton Pride

A fundraising canal cruise featuring a tribute to a well-known country music star is set to take place in Skipton this summer.
Spellman Care support Airedale Hospital & Community Charity's Easter Appeal

Yorkshire family run business, Spellman care have announced its official support to Airdale Hospital & Community Charity's Easter Appeal this year.
Skipton MP heads to Westminster to talk challenges within hospitality sector

Skipton and Ripon MP, Rt Hon Sir Julian Smith, met with the Chair of Hospitality, Kate Nicholls OBE, in Westminster this week to discuss key concerns facing hospitality businesses in the UK.
Skipton man jailed for 18 years for sexual offences against children

An 82-year-old Skipton man has been jailed for multiple sexual offences against children.
The Geek Side announces closure before 10th anniversary

The Geekside in Skipton announced their closure on 10th March.
Skipton Multisport Festival to be held this May

A weekend festival of sport is set to return to Skipton later this spring, bringing a range of activities for participants of all ages and abilities.
Local attractions to close as Met Office issues yellow weather warning for wind

Several local attractions have announced closures or partial closures today (Thursday) after the Met Office issued a yellow weather warning for strong winds across North Yorkshire.
17 year old arrested following high speed pursuit from Skipton

Police say a suspected stolen car was located after a pursuit that passed through the Skipton area on Tuesday morning.
The Coniston Hotel to remain under family ownership

The Coniston Hotel and Spa will remain under family ownership after plans to sell the business were withdrawn.
Airedale Hospital introduces new service for prostate cancer

A new digital service has been introduced at Airedale NHS Foundation Trust to help prostate cancer patients receive test results more quickly.
Appletreewick pub shortlisted in Countryside Alliance ‘Rural Oscars’

A pub near Skipton has been named a North of England finalist in the Countryside Alliance Awards.
Yorkshire residents needed for new series of BBC's Gladiators

Yorkshire residents are being invited to apply for the next series of the BBC's Gladiators.
Taxi policy change could "finish off" industry, councillors warned

A proposed rule change to make taxis more accessible could "finish off" the trade, North Yorkshire councillors have been warned.
Skipton children’s charity collaborates with luxury makeup brand

The Principle Trust Children’s Charity is proud to announce it has raised over £2,500 for vulnerable families with the help of Charlotte Tilbury, enough to provide four respite breaks,
Police appeal after two vehicle collision in Skipton

The incident occured yesterday (Monday 9th March) at 12:08pm.
Village panto raises over £3,000 for good causes

The Addingham Village Panto team have announced its production of Aladdin & his Marvellous Lamp raised a whopping £3,200, which will be split between two amazing local good causes!
Nominations open for Airedale NHS Foundation Trust Governor elections

Members of Airedale NHS Foundation Trust will soon be able to stand for election to become a Governor, with nominations opening on 16th March.
Call for volunteers to tackle litterbugs in clean-up campaign

Communities are being encouraged to get involved in a national litter-picking initiative aimed at keeping North Yorkshire clean and tidy.