South Western Railway (SWR) has launched assisted boarding points at a number of its stations, including Dorchester South.

The new service - an industry first - allows those with reduced mobility, visual impairment or injury to receive help getting on the train.

Customers will now see dedicated assisted boarding points on platforms where they can Whatsapp or call a dedicated customer service team who will contact the guard on the next available service and ensure assistance is provided when the train arrives.

The service requires customers to give just 10 minutes notice prior to travelling.

Christian Neill, deputy customer experience director at South Western Railway, said: "We know that not every journey is planned in advance, and indeed they shouldn't have to be.

"We're proud to be launching this industry first service, which will make it markedly easier for our customers who require assistance to travel with minimum fuss or difficulty.

"This is just one way in which we're boosting the accessibility of our network and helping all of our customers to travel with confidence."

The boarding points will ensure both customers and guards know where to meet. There will be clear signage with a QR code for customers to scan and instantly message the dedicated team with details of their journey and a direct telephone number.

Customers will need to provide details of their departure station, destination station and the type of assistance they require, such as a wheelchair ramp or support getting onto the train.

Alan Benson, chairman of Transport for All, said: "Getting help on and off the train is vital for disabled people travelling, and this is the most common source of problems. Anything that makes this easier has to be welcomed.

"This initiative by SWR puts disabled travellers in control of their own journeys and will give them the confidence that is too often missing."

The service is currently being rolled out at a number of SWR stations, including Dorchester South, but will eventually cover the whole network.

Anthony Smith, chief executive of Transport Focus, said: "We know from our research that elderly and disabled passengers don't always receive the help they need when travelling by rail.

"This new boarding service will enable people to request assistance more easily, without the need to pre-book."

Customers can find more information about the assisted boarding points here.

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