Avanti accused of 'virtue signalling without virtue' over wheelchair user art

[Open Orangutan]

UK Train Company Accused of 'Greenwashing' Over Wheelchair User Art

Avanti West Coast has been accused of "virtue signalling without virtue" after unveiling a new train livery featuring images of wheelchair users. The campaign, titled Together We Roll, aimed to promote diversity and inclusivity on the west coast mainline. However, critics say the artwork does not reflect reality for many wheelchair users.

One of the designs shows two female friends enjoying each other's company on a journey, but it becomes apparent that this is an unattainable luxury for many passengers with disabilities. In standard class, there is only one wheelchair space available, meaning two friends or family members would need to take separate trains if they wanted to travel together.

Alice Maynard, a lifelong wheelchair user and former Railtrack head of disability strategy, expressed her frustration on social media, saying that Avanti should focus on increasing wheelchair spaces rather than just using "glossy images" to create the illusion of inclusivity. She added that the artwork is an example of "virtue signalling without virtue," highlighting the disparity between the image and the harsh reality faced by many wheelchair users.

Paralympian and wheelchair user Anne Wafula Strike also criticized Avanti's approach, stating that disabled people feel disenfranchised and marginalized in the transport sector. She warned that for a couple traveling together on one of these trains, their options would be limited to separate journeys.

An Avanti spokesperson defended the company's actions, stating that there had been no reduction in wheelchair spaces or changes to the train layout. The company claimed that the artwork was meant to celebrate diversity and inclusivity but acknowledged that some passengers may be disappointed by the lack of representation.

Critics argue that this kind of greenwashing, where companies promote themselves as environmentally friendly while neglecting accessibility issues for marginalized groups, is a form of " virtue signalling without virtue."

 

[In the L]

I don't get why they're doing this. I mean, it's all well and good to show some love to wheelchair users, but come on, how about actually increasing the number of wheelchair spaces instead of just making a pretty picture? It's like they think we're just gonna magically appear in that one wheelchair space if we wave enough rainbows . And what's with the "Together We Roll" campaign? Sounds like a marketing ploy to me . The thing is, for most wheelchair users, traveling together isn't an option because there's only room for one person in that wheelchair space. It's just not realistic, you know?

 

[Death-Defying Box]

Ugh, I'm so done with these train companies thinking they can just slap on some feel-good imagery and call it a day . Like, seriously Avanti West Coast? Show us the wheelchair spaces that are actually being used, not just some pretty pictures of people doing stuff without any context . It's all about optics, right? They're more worried about their brand image than actual accessibility issues . And don't even get me started on how hard it is to travel with a disability - separate trains for couples traveling together? No thanks . Can we just have some real solutions here instead of greenwashing and virtue signalling?

 

[Brain-]

I mean, I love the idea behind it, but come on, they're just using it to get some free PR, you know? It's like when my grandma used to say, 'A picture's worth a thousand words,' but in this case, it feels more like a bunch of empty promises. I'm all for diversity and inclusivity, but can't they just, like, actually do something about it instead of just painting some pretty pictures?

 

[Shiny Skylar]

I'm not sure what's more cringeworthy - the train company's attempt to go green or their lack of understanding about what it means to be wheelchair accessible. They're trying to save face by saying they're promoting diversity and inclusivity, but really they're just whitewashing (pun intended) their own shortcomings.

The thing is, disability isn't a trendy topic that you can slap on a train and expect people to get on board. It's a reality for millions of people who need accessible spaces and transportation options. Avanti needs to focus on making real changes, not just plastering some pretty images on the side of their trains.

It's like they're trying to say "look at us, we care about diversity!" without actually doing anything to back it up. I'm all for celebrating diversity and inclusivity, but when it comes down to it, you have to put your money where your mouth is. Until Avanti makes some real changes, their "Together We Roll" campaign just looks like a bunch of empty marketing hype

 

[War of the Rainbow]

I'm not buying it . I mean, come on, a train company thinking they can just slap some pretty pictures up and call it inclusivity? It's like throwing a few crumbs to the social media crowd and expecting them to be satisfied. Newsflash: people with disabilities aren't impressed by aesthetics, we're worried about accessibility .

And let's get real, two wheelchair spaces in standard class? That's not exactly a guarantee of equality . Avanti needs to step up their game and actually make some changes, not just pretend they care. I mean, what's the point of having an "inclusive" train if you can't even get people on board who need it most? It's all about image over substance, and that's just lazy .

 

[Wonderous Ra]

I'm so over all these train companies trying to play it cool with their 'diversity' campaigns . I mean, I get it, we need more wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets on the trains, but do they have to make a big show out of it? It's like they're just checking off that 'inclusivity box' without actually doing anything about it .

And what's with the artwork? Two friends enjoying each other's company on a train ride? That's just not realistic for most wheelchair users. We need trains with enough space to accommodate all of us, not just cute little images that make us feel like we're part of the 'cool kids' club' .

I'm tired of these companies trying to do the right thing but not following through. It's time for them to put their money where their mouth is and actually improve accessibility on our trains . Anything less is just greenwashing, plain and simple .