FTPE launches pioneer assistance initiative

First TransPennine Express is rolling out an initiative to help passengers with disabilities, personal problems or learning difficulties (such as autism or dyslexia).

Blue Assist is intended to give those passengers effective and suitable assistance, allowing them to feel at ease and not judged when they travel - for example, if they don’t understand that they have to show their ticket, or if they’ve had a bad personal experience in the morning and forgotten to buy a ticket on the way.

The initiative is the first of its kind on the railway. FTPE has partnered with the Blue Assist charity to provide a card that passengers can collect from stations or on board trains, and write on their specific needs.

All FTPE’s 1,200 staff have been trained and briefed to recognise the card and to support those passengers effectively.