Disabled customers requiring assistance with rail travel will be able to take advantage of new freephone telephone and minicom numbers from Thursday 9 Novembe 2006.

In a move to make travelling by rail and access to services for disabled people more convenient, First ScotRail has introduced two new contact numbers, which will replace the existing 0845 numbers. The benefit, in addition to calls being free of charge, means disabled customers now have two dedicated lines available to them when looking to request staff assistance during their journey - providing greater peace of mind.
The new numbers are as follows:
0800 912 2 901 - this telephone number should be used by disabled customers when booking assistance in advance of travel.
0800 912 2 899 - this minicom number should be used by disabled customers when booking assistance in advance of travel.

Minicoms are similar to SMS messaging whereby a request comes up in a text format. Minicoms are ideal for people with speech and / or hearing impairments.

Peter Williams, First ScotRail's commercial director said: "The introduction of these new dedicated numbers means that it will be quicker and easier for disabled customers to request assistance and in turn, give them greater confidence when travelling on our services. I am confident that this small change will make a positive difference."