Overview

I used Southampton Central station both when I arrived and departed Southampton. On both visits I had pre-booked special assistance.

Transport & Parking

The railway station is in Southampton city centre and there are many train lines that stop here.

Access

The station is step free with lifts.

Toilets

I saw one in the waiting room but I didn't use it so unable to comment.

Staff

I had pre-ordered Special Assistance. When I arrived in Southampton on 04/09/2019, although I had been placed on the train by special assiatance staff at Wateloo and he had confirmed that he had contacted Southampton central, there was no one to meet me from SA getting off the train. Thankfully there was a member of staff exiting the train and she helped me in carrying my case and walking me to the taxi rank. Sorry I don't remember her name. On leaving on 06/09/2019, again Special Assistance had been pre-booked. When I arrived I went to the ticekt barrier 20 minutes before departure. The person there confirmed I was on the list. He phoned through to get someone to assist me but no one replied, so he took me to the waiting room himself. Luckily the train was departing from the same platform where the waiting room was, but one one came to me to collect me and help me on the train. I ended up having to carry my own case onto the train, which was difficult with a crutch and the gap between train and platform. On the train I informed the ticket collector what happened. He made sure he came back to me at Waterloo and helped me off the train. There was Special Assistance on the platform at Waterloo for another passenger and he confirmed that no one from Southampton Central had confirmed that I was on the train and they were therefore not expecting me. The Special Assistance person helped both me and another disabled passenger off the train. The staff at Waterloo commented that Southampton Central is short staffed and they were going to submit a complaint about what happened. I have returned home and submitted a complaint too for both legs of my journey.

Anything else you wish to tell us?

Having reliable Special Assistance for me as a solo disabled traveller is very important and when none turns up it becomes very stressful and distressing.