ATOC

“Forget directory enquiries, just call rail enquiries” says ATOC at launch of train-taxi information service
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date 20 August 2003
source ATOC
type Press release

As millions of people try to adapt to the new numbers for directory enquiries, ATOC today launched a new service to help train passengers get local taxi information at a fraction of the cost of calling a new directory enquiries number.

If you are a rail passenger requiring a taxi to pick you up at the station, all you have to do is call Britain’s most popular and memorable number, 08457 48 49 50, or log on at www.nationalrail.co.uk. The train-taxi information service provides information on taxi facilities and services at Britain’s 2,500 rail stations.
Passengers have always been able to find out about timetable and fares information for any train in the UK, but now they can get detailed taxi information at stations such as:

o whether a station has a taxi rank
o advice on the need to book a taxi at any station
o contact details for taxi companies

There are three clear advantages to using the train taxi information service rather than directory enquiries:

o it is cheaper
o it is an established, easy-to-remember, number
o it provides you with all the taxi numbers you need in one call

ATOC Communications Director, Edward Funnell, said: "This service helps passengers to jump the queue at stations by booking their taxi in advance, enabling them to step straight off the train and into their waiting taxi. Forget Directory Enquiries, just call Rail Enquiries. Our service reduces the number of phone calls or internet enquiries you need to make, saving you time and money."

ENDS

For more information, please call:
ATOC press office 020 7904 3010
Notes to editors

National Rail Enquiries telephone service (0845 7 48 49 50) currently answers 60 million calls per year, using 1,700 staff at four call centres around the UK, making it Britain’s busiest telephone number. The nationalrail web site receives over 90,000 enquiries per day since being launched in March this year. The service is run on behalf of all train operating companies.
Traintaxi information is provided to help bridge those final few miles from station to destination. National Rail Enquiries’ advice is to consider using a minicab firm in London only on the basis of personal recommendation. The traintaxi database does not knowingly include any London minicab operators.
The Association of Train Operating Companies (ATOC) is the official voice for the passenger rail industry – representing train companies to the government and other opinion formers on transport policy issues.
ATOC manages many joint activities for train operators including revenue allocation and settlement, impartial retailing, the National Rail Enquiries, railcard marketing, staff travel arrangements, international products and travel agent licensing.

Railhub Archive ::: 2003-08-20 ATO-001