14 May 2019

Eurostar provides 360° guide to help travellers with autism

Eurostar, the high-speed passenger rail service linking the UK with mainland Europe, today launches a new 360° virtual guide to help travellers with autism have a smooth and stress-free journey, in a first for the travel industry.  
 
Eurostar worked with charity Ambitious About Autism to carry out a review of its travel experience for autistic passengers. The charity advised that customers with autism are more comfortable travelling after seeing information in advance with sights and sounds in two-dimensions. The virtual guide has been created to reflect this by providing visual information ahead of a journey.
 
Eurostar offers a unique journey, with stations that combine elements from airports and domestic rail travel and the visual guide has been designed to offer tips and advice for every step, including ticket gates, security checks, boarding, on-board and arrivals.   
 
Amber Kirby, Customer Experience Director, Eurostar, said: “We are committed to providing an effortless travel experience for all our customers, and our new guide provides information for those that may be anxious about what to expect on the journey, specifically travellers with autism. We hope it helps more of our customers feel prepared so that they can relax and enjoy the experience from the moment they arrive at the station.”
 
Jolanta Lasota, Chief Executive of Ambitious About Autism, said:
“Many autistic people can find travelling an overwhelming experience so having information about what to expect before they set off is really important.
 
“We were very pleased that Eurostar asked us to consult with them on changes that will support their autistic customers’ needs. We hope this new visual guide will help autistic travellers feel more comfortable and confident ahead of embarking on international travel.”    
 
The guide is now available at https://www.eurostar.com/uk-en/travel-info/travel-planning/travellers-with-autism, and forms part of a number of initiatives from Eurostar to improve customer experience including improvements to making wheelchair bookings and a new process for non-accredited assistance dogs.
 

-ENDS-
 
For more information:
Eurostar Press Office 
020 7843 5500
press.office@eurostar.co.uk
 
About Eurostar
  1. Eurostar is the high-speed train service linking St Pancras International, Ebbsfleet International, Ashford International, Paris, Brussels, Lille, Calais, Disneyland Resort Paris, Avignon, the French Alps, Lyon, Avignon, Marseille, Rotterdam and Amsterdam.
  2. The current Eurostar train was first introduced into service in 1994 carrying 750 passengers and operating at speeds of up to 300kph.  Since then, the fleet of 28 trains has carried more than 150 million passengers between London and the Continent.  Following their refurbishment these trains will continue to form a core part of the Eurostar fleet. The new e320 will carry around 900 passengers at speeds of up to 320kph.
  3. Eurostar was established in 1994 as a partnership between three railway companies: SNCF, SNCB and LCR (London and Continental Railways). On 1 September 2010, Eurostar became a single, unified corporate entity owned by three shareholders: SNCF, SNCB and LCR. LCR’s holding was transferred to the Treasury in 2014, and sold by the UK government to a consortium comprising Caisse de Depot et Placement du Quebec (CDPQ) and Hermes Infrastructure on 28th May 2015.
  4. Eurostar is a founder member of Railteam, a partnership between Europe’s leading high-speed train operators that is developing simpler ways to book and travel on the fast-expanding, European high-speed rail network.
  5. Eurostar and Eurotunnel are entirely separate companies.  Eurostar operates high-speed passenger trains, while Eurotunnel operates vehicle shuttle services and the Channel Tunnel itself. Eurostar is Eurotunnel’s biggest customer.
  6. Ambitious about Autism is the national charity for children and young people with autism. It provides services, raise awareness and understanding, and campaigns for change. The charity provides training and consultancy to a range of businesses and organisations helping them become more autism confident. For more information visit www.ambitiousaboutautism.org.uk/training-and-consultancy