// BBC UK NEWS — CRONACA
Virtual queue for disabled at Alton Towers praised
The new virtual queuing pass has been welcomed by disability charities, and will be first introduced at Alton Towers
A new virtual queuing system for visitors with accessibility needs to be introduced first at Alton Towers has been praised by charities.
The upgraded ride access pass (Rap), to be in use later at other Merlin-run parks like Thorpe Park and Legoland Windsor Resort, enables queuing for rides via an app rather than in physical lines.
The news follows a backlash in February when proposed changes led to visitors with conditions such as ADHD and autism being told they would not be able to use a physical Rap.
There will be no change to the eligibility criteria for the pass, available to those who have problems queuing for long periods because of a physical, emotional or learning need, Merlin says.
Staffordshire-based Alton Towers will start accepting the revamped pass at the end of the year, with Merlin's other theme parks taking it on next year.
During the row earlier in the year, families of children with additional needs told the BBC the restrictions would mean their children could not visit because of waiting in long queues, or sensory overload felt in crowded environments.
Under the plan, visitors to places like Alton Towers, Chessington World of Adventures and Legoland Windsor over half-term who had "difficulty with crowds" would no longer have qualified.
Merlin backtracked on the proposal days later following an online petition against it signed by more than 25,000, saying they had listened to the feedback and would pause the changes while considering other options.
The changes would apply at parks including Chessington World of Adventures, Thorpe Park and Alton Towers