TSSA calls for 0800 number to be introduced

Date: 30/12/2011

Calls have been made for an 0800 telephone number to be introduced by the Association of Train Operating Companies.

According to the Transport Salaried Staffs Association (TSSA), disabled passengers can no longer get direct help at stations, but must instead phone a helpline, the Press Association reports.

By calling the number they can organise arrangements for assistance, but the fact they must pay to speak to someone has led to criticism.

General secretary of the TSSA Manuel Cortes commented: "It is simply disgraceful that train companies are charging the most vulnerable people in the land for a service that should be free."

The union believes an 0800 number should be introduced to replace the current 0845 offering that charges individuals over 2p per minute.

As an independent UK-based trade union for the transport and travel trade industries, the TSSA has 30,000 members across Britain and Ireland from the railways sector.