24.08.12
ATOC launches new journey planning assistance
A new tool has been developed to help older and disabled passengers plan their journeys more easily.
The Association of Train Operating Companies (ATOC) has launched a website, Rail Travel Made Easy, to help these passengers and make the most of the new Passenger Assist service, which allows people to book assistance in advance of their train journey.
The initial launch will focus on information suitable to all passengers, with phase two concentrating on particular groups such as partially sighted and deaf customers, which will be available towards the end of 2012.
David Sindall, head of disability and inclusion at ATOC, said: “The new site shows how the improvements we have made come together to ensure rail travel is an even better option for older and disabled passengers. It’s important that the railway does everything it can to let elderly and disabled people know about the range of help and support that is available to them.
“All the evidence indicates that more disabled passengers are using rail. Last year over four million journeys were made using Disabled Persons Railcard discounts. This is encouraging but we think that more journeys could be made if people knew more about some of the useful support that is already in place.”
The website was developed in partnership with Wideaware Ltd, a consultancy run by disabled people.
Maria Zedda, managing director of Wideaware, said: “This has been a very exciting project to have been involved in. We are delighted to have made a contribution and hope that what is delivered will help passengers use the rail network more.”
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