Does anyone have any experience with passenger assistance on trains?

[Apple In My Pie]

As title states.

I am physically disabled and I would love to independently use the train. My dream job is only accessible via train and i am stubborn determined to do it because it’s not as if all disabled people sit there going ‘eh, can’t have this job because I can’t go on the train‘, yano. Well, maybe they do. But not me.

I don’t use a wheelchair, but I need a little help getting on and off the train because it is so high up. Currently I always have to go on the train with my mum, which I don’t mind, but I would like more independence, and IF it is possible then it is possible I could get my dream job too!
Also, sometimes I find it a little difficult to locate which platform the train is on. I hate it when they change the platform the train is arriving in on, and then they announce it over the speaker, and the trains are so loud it makes it hard to hear, and my ears hurt, and it scares me

I know that when you get the train they offer passenger assistance that you can pre-book before a journey, but I’m not sure what it means. Would someone be able to help me on/off the train, or make sure I am waiting on the right platform etc? Also if say for e.g. I got a job that required a train journey would someone be available to help me on/off the train each day? I may well get used to the timetables/platforms but I’ll always need assistance with the whole ‘getting on the train’ bit. I’d worry that they’d not be THAT reliable.

Thank you, Tattlers!

 

[cushtybert]

Have you contacted your local train station? Might be worth giving them a call or pop in to see someone and have a chat?

 

[susan1375]

I have used them. Sometimes service is great others not so much. I had a little cart take me to the platform I needed and help me find my seat on the train so that’s a great help if someone has taken it. I used the service sporadically and I did see someone with a guide dog who used the service every day. Even though the staff knew them they weren’t helpful apparently.

 

[CrackingOwlSanctuary]

It varies between different operating companies, and if the stations you are commuting between are staffed? If your local rail service isn't driver only (like the tube or the DLR) then the conductor should assist you boarding and alighting. If you need to use a wheelchair in the future the trains will be equipped with ramps and a designated area for a wheelchair as per the law. You may need to make yourself know to the conductor when the train arrives if there are no platform staff or booking office staff to speak to prior to boarding, give them a wave when they are on the platform.

I would advise getting the national rail enquiries app for keeping an eye on cancellations etc but unfortunately last minute changes do happen, ideally if the station is staffed they will be aware of them as they happen and ensure the train doesn't depart without you as a result. You will likely find that after travelling for a little while the train staff will be familiar with your routine and automatically assist you.

Source: I was a train conductor for 10 years.

 

[Notworthy]

I'm in the passenger assist team for a TOC down south. Your local PAT can offer you the assistance you require. I deal with wheelchair users, elderly, impaired sight, autistic travellers etc. If it's prebooked I meet the passenger, doublecheck assistance required, contact destination station to confirm their availability and let them know the type of assistance required then once I've assisted onto train I recontact destination staff with coach number passenger is in. We have a van that we use to get to unstated stations but not sure if that's countrywide. I'd recommend using the larger stations if you can for your own peace of mind initially. System does depend on communication and isn't infallible but is improving