Blind Widow Left Scared, Stranded & Alone By First Scotrail FOUR TIMES

IvanOpinion

Disgraceful ... but can I add that this is a very sad reflection of the society that we live in today.

Whether it is a perception or a fact I can understand that people can be nervous of asking for help (particularly a blind person). Surely to goodness someone with a disability should be able to turn to the person next to them and ask for simple assistance (companies should not have to employ people to do this). It is up to EVERYBODY in society to look out for each other ... because some day WE may be the person looking for that bit of help. I for one am getting totally sick of this 'me me me' society.

Ivan

Savvy_Sue

Radio 4's In Touch programme?

LizzieT84

Good suggestion Sue.

I know that she listens to that programme.

Adrian80

I am a Virgin Trains employee at Edinburgh Waverley Station.

The problem with ScotRail is that they do not use the same computer system that every other Train Operating Company (TOC) at the Edinburgh Waverley station does.

Both GNER and Virgin Trains make use of the same computer system- and effectively so. ScotRail however, does not. The computer system has its shortcomings, but is on the whole it is effective.

It ensures that the other TOC's get a printout of ALL the passengers with requests for assistance coming to Edinburgh Waverley including all their connections, at approximately 19.30 the night before EVERY day. This makes it easier for them to arrange adequate personnel to meet all the passengers requiring assistance the next day.

All FirstGroup needs to do is get connected to this system. Why this is the case, I cannot say. But do mention that in your letters to ScotRail.

I hope that ScotRail gets their act together soon- all they need is a to get the same software as the other TOCs and a dedicated member of staff to deal with passenger assistance.

aj3001

The Sun Newspaper: 0207 7824100 advantage with going to them as opposed to others suggested above, they would pay for her story

looby75

that is absolutely shocking! I have to change trains at Edinburgh Waverley Station when I travel to my sisters house in Kilmarnock, it is one of the most confusing stations I've ever been too and I have good vision, I can only imagain how terrifying and pretty much impossible it must be for your MIL to try to navigate her way round it with no assistance.

I really hope they can get this issue sorted for her, and ever other disabled person who needs the servace.

dealornodeal_3

Adrian80 wrote:

I am a Virgin Trains employee at Edinburgh Waverley Station.

The problem with ScotRail is that they do not use the same computer system that every other Train Operating Company (TOC) at the Edinburgh Waverley station does.

Both GNER and Virgin Trains make use of the same computer system- and effectively so. ScotRail however, does not. The computer system has its shortcomings, but is on the whole it is effective.

It ensures that the other TOC's get a printout of ALL the passengers with requests for assistance coming to Edinburgh Waverley including all their connections, at approximately 19.30 the night before EVERY day. This makes it easier for them to arrange adequate personnel to meet all the passengers requiring assistance the next day.

All FirstGroup needs to do is get connected to this system. Why this is the case, I cannot say. But do mention that in your letters to ScotRail.

I hope that ScotRail gets their act together soon- all they need is a to get the same software as the other TOCs and a dedicated member of staff to deal with passenger assistance.

Adrian that is no excuse. First Group have Railway phones, just like any other TOC. Its also probably Staff shortage as well, seeing as First have to cut back on their resources to pay the treasury back, for their high bids in acquiring these companies in 2006!

In all honesty I believe that they are only interested in profit! Its the passengers, cancellation of trains, and people who need help that will suffer!:mad:

dealornodeal_3

Right Lizzie, yesterday I transferred the problem over to a Rail Forum, because I felt so disgusted at the way your Mother was treated on 4 occasions. The members on that forum were disgusted, and the management read that forum and I sincerely hope that they take note. And that more care by First in the future!

In the meantime they have uncovered for you the " Disabled Peoples Protection Policy", which came out in October 2004 by First Group and would be fully implemented within 3 years. On Board Staff and Station Staff are fully trained to assist. So you can phone First at Glasgow on 0845 601 5921 Customer Relations and asked why it wasnt fully complied with. Failure to get a proper reply then contact Department of Transport and Your MP!
Hope you get it sorted Lizzie and keep in Contact!

kuohu

This is a sad story, and like others I can't help but feel it should be told to a wider audience. Shame on the organisation.

jezebel

This makes my own issues with first group pale in comparison having commuted with them to work I was left on a station platform for 2 hours waiting for a replacement train after our own train was diverted to another station miles from my home destination or station of origin but I am not elderly or visually impaired. Keep Complaining and hopefully they will do something, if nothing else they are not meeting their requirements under the disability discrimination act which allows access for all!