National Rail Website on Information for Disabled Passengers

Passenger Assist

Simply book assistance for any train journey, with one number. For a helping hand around the station, to boarding a train or arranging a ramp.

The train company you’re travelling with will organise assistance for your entire journey, even if you travel with someone else to complete the trip.

The Train company you are travelling with can arrange for someone to:

•   meet you at the station entrance or meeting point
•   help you navigate around the station and accompany you to your train
•   help you on and off the service
•   provide a ramp on and off your train
•   meet you from your train and take you to your next train or the exit
•   carry your bag (up to three items of luggage as per the National Rail Conditions of Travel)

How to book

Simply call for free on

0800 0223720

24 hours before travelling or a text 60083.

For textphone/minicom 0845 60 50 600 or visit www.disabledpersons-railcard.co.uk/travel-assistance

Let us know the journey you are planning to take, and we will connect you to the appropriate train operating company to make your booking request.

For text and textphone we’ll send an instant SMS with the number you need to dial from your textphone unit.

Call and texts are at no charge.

Save time and book ahead

It’s always best to book as far ahead as possible. Some train companies may ask for up to 24 hours’ notice before travel, although some may accept requests for booked assistance at short notice.

Where a station is staffed they will always help you if they can, even if you just turn up on the day of travel. However, it might mean that sometimes this might take a little bit longer to arrange as staff may be assisting other customers, dispatching a train, or looking after safety on the platform.

If staff are not able to help you straight away they will explain clearly why not and do their best to assist as soon as they can.

If Things Go Wrong

If the train you want to travel on is cancelled or delayed

You will not have to pay extra if you cannot buy your ticket before getting on the train due to an impairment.

Train companies will do everything possible to get you to the station you want to travel to. If it is not possible to access a rail replacement bus, the train company will provide an accessible alternative, such as a complimentary  taxi to the station you are planning to travel to.

You can complain if your journey goes wrong and the train company will investigate it fully and fairly. You may also be entitled to compensation if there is a delay to  your journey or something goes wrong . To understand your full rights please refer to the National Rail Conditions of Travel.

Throughout your journey

•   The train company will do all it can to communicate effectively
•   Staff will treat all customers with respect and dignity
•   Staff will understand your needs
•  Trained staff will know how to use company equipment that may help with a journey

You can also book assistance and find out more information direct from the train company on the numbers below: