Trains and People in Wheelchairs.

[Envoy]

The BBC Wales programme ‘X-Ray’ this week tested four train journeys with people using wheelchairs. GWR came out with top marks but it was a different story for TfW who did not even provide the booked help at Cardiff Central.

If interested in viewing, click the link and select Series 22, Episode 13. https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episodes/b006sggm/xray

X-Ray goes undercover in Caerphilly to look at the problems wheelchair users can face accessing public transport.

 

[Segedunum]

My own experience of dealing with TfW assistance teams pretty much reflects this.

I dealt with several complaints of assistance (when I worked for a different TOC) not being provided at Cardiff Central or staff being deliberately awkward/denying all knowledge of it ever being booked.

It always seemed like they were a bit of a law unto themselves - evidently this hasn't changed.

 

[Energy]

The BBC Wales programme ‘X-Ray’ this week tested four train journeys with people using wheelchairs. GWR came out with top marks but it was a different story for TfW who did not even provide the booked help at Cardiff Central.

If interested in viewing, click the link and select Series 22, Episode 13. https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episodes/b006sggm/xray

TfW's broken web form is a poor excuse, GWR's form asks for the start and end of the journey and GWR were there for the start so unless TfW weren't forwarded the information by GWR they would have known.

 

[zwk500]

I seem to remember a platform was being trialled to allow seamless handovers and so on between TOCs, did this feature at all in the programme? Apologies, I can't access iPlayer even through a VPN.

 

[Envoy]

In response to zwk500 (above) >If your Tv has a sat input on the back or via a satellite box, you may be able to receive British TV in Holland as the main channels are free to air and unencrypted - you need to be within the Astra spot beam footprint:>

Astra 2E/2F/2G (satellites co-located at 28.2° E) UK-Spotbeam and Europe beams coverage maps

Of course, this won’t help with the catch internet service.

Many thanks everyone for your responses thus far.

 

[Segedunum]

All TOCs/stations should be using the same Transreport/Passenger Assist system so not telling a station someone's on a train isn't really an excuse unless it's a last-minute/walk up booking.

It does however has the function to mark people as on-board and to put where they're seated, as well as marking a leg as completed.

 

[Energy]

All TOCs/stations should be using the same Transreport/Passenger Assist system so not telling a station someone's on a train isn't really an excuse unless it's a last-minute/walk up booking.

It does however has the function to mark people as on-board and to put where they're seated, as well as marking a leg as completed.

TfW used to have their own form (look on the Wayback Machine) thought they've now changed it to redirect to Passenger Assist.

GWR have their own form on their website but say you can use the Passenger Assist app as well.

 

[Segedunum]

TfW used to have their own form (look on the Wayback Machine) thought they've now changed it to redirect to Passenger Assist.

GWR have their own form on their website but say you can use the Passenger Assist app as well.

All that'll happen with the GWR form is that an agent will read it and then input the information into a staff version of Passenger Assist. Same with the app - the same agent will check for 'unconfirmed' bookings, add any necessary details then approve it.

Basically, it's all the same system - just with different ways of accessing it! Some customers used to prefer to send an email if they had any specific requirements they wanted us to be aware of.

 

[SCDR_WMR]

All TOCs/stations should be using the same Transreport/Passenger Assist system so not telling a station someone's on a train isn't really an excuse unless it's a last-minute/walk up booking.

It does however has the function to mark people as on-board and to put where they're seated, as well as marking a leg as completed.

The PA app is much better so long as everyone uses it. Finding it's very hit or miss at Network Rail ran stations (particularly New St who don't seem to pick up anything for there).

Also, Turn up and Go isn't put onto the app by station staff from my experience so far which is a concern if taking over a train mid journey with no hand over. I always input TUAG whilst introducing myself to anyone requiring assistance regardless of wheelchair/motobility.