New booking system for disabled passengers is quicker, easier and simpler

In response to TSSA claims about the new booking system for disabled passengers, a spokesperson from the Association of Train Operating Companies (ATOC) said:

"ATOC has recently introduced a significantly improved Passenger Assistance service for passengers with disabilities. Train companies worked with disability groups to develop the new service, which allows passengers to book assistance in advance without having to make a separate trip to the station.

"The new call centre service collects much more passenger information than previously, making initial bookings more efficient and booking for future journeys much easier. Calls are usually either free or charged at local rates depending on the train company.

"Some operators still take Passenger Assistance bookings at stations, and we are shortly to introduce an online booking service to give passengers even greater choice about how they can book support. In the vast majority of cases passengers are able to use the service free of charge."