A NEW initiative to help people with disabilities and learning difficulties access public transport has been launched by a north rail operator.

First TransPennine Express, which operates services across the North East and North Yorkshire, has adopted the Blue Assist scheme, where customers who may need additional help on the train can present a card detailing their needs to staff.

The scheme was founded in Belgium in 2008 to help those whose needs may not be immediately apparent to communicate easily with staff in shops or public transport, such as those with autism, dyslexia or dementia.

Users can collect blue assistance cards from stations served by FTPE and on board trains and write on their specific needs before presenting the card to FTPE staff.

An FTPE spokesman said: "Customers have a variety of individual needs, many of which are not visibly present, and the card provides the opportunity to get effective assistance from a member of staff should it be needed without making the customer feel inadequate or distressed."

FTPE said its 1,200 staff have been trained to recognise the card and support those who are using it.

Learning disability charity Mencap has given its support to the scheme.

Tracy Holah, area operations manager for Mencap, said: "It was a pleasure to help as it ultimately improves the quality of life for the most vulnerable in our society. What we take for granted is a massive step for people who need this support and this I can see is a fantastic idea and works.

“Using the cards gave us more confidence to be able to use public transport without support, knowing that in my local station I could ask for help.

For more information on the Blue Assist scheme visit blueassistuk.org.uk or tpexpress.co.uk/assistance/