You can request assistance when travelling at Christmas through the Passenger Assistance app or website.
Christmas train travel can be busy. Stations may be crowded, trains may be full and timetables can change during the festive period.
Passenger Assistance can help you request support before you travel, if planning ahead helps you feel more prepared.
Planning Christmas train travel
Before your journey, check your train times and any planned timetable changes.
You may also want to allow extra time at the station, especially if you are travelling with luggage or changing trains.
It can also help to check which train company is operating your journey.
If you would like support, you can request assistance through the Passenger Assistance app.
How to request assistance in the Passenger Assistance app
The Passenger Assistance app is the easiest way to keep your journey details, access needs and assistance request in one place.
To request assistance:
- Open the Passenger Assistance app.
- Add your departure station and arrival station.
- Choose the date and time you are travelling.
- Select the train journey that works best for you.
- Choose the support you would like to request.
- Add any notes you want staff to know.
- Send your Passenger Assistance request.
Your request is then sent to the train company supporting your journey.
Once it has been confirmed, you will receive a notification.
You can also view your request in the app before you travel.
For a full step-by-step guide, read: How to use Passenger Assistance.
What support can you request?
You can request support that works for your Christmas journey.
This might include help moving through the station, finding the right platform, changing trains or getting on and off the train.
You can also request ramp support, extra time to board or clear information from staff.
Add notes in your own words so staff know what support has been requested.
Using Ask PA during Christmas travel
Ask PA can help you check station accessibility information and manage your assistance request through WhatsApp.
This can be useful when travelling during a busy festive period.
Read more here: Train assistance on WhatsApp: how to use Ask PA.
More Christmas travel tips
You may also find these Passenger Assistance Christmas posts useful:
Travelling at Christmas with Passenger Assistance
Travelling during the festive period when you’re visually impaired
Travelling your way
You do not have to request assistance before travelling.
Passenger Assistance does not replace Turn Up and Go. Disabled passengers still have the right to travel by train without requesting assistance in advance.
Some people plan ahead. Some people travel spontaneously. All of these choices are valid.
Start using Passenger Assistance
Passenger Assistance gives you another option if planning ahead helps during the festive period.
To request assistance for your Christmas train journey, visit passengerassistance.com or download the Passenger Assistance app.