Introducing ‘Buddy’ – A New Way to Share Your Journey and Travel with Confidence

We’re excited to announce the launch of our Buddy service, the latest addition to Journey Alerts now up and running for passengers travelling through Bristol Temple Meads as part of the Station Innovation Zone programme.

Buddy lets you share your journey updates in real-time with someone you trust, offering extra reassurance for a wide range oftravellers, from older adults and those with disabilities to first-time railusers and anyone who feels anxious or vulnerable when travelling. Whether it’s a friend, family member or carer, your Buddy can keep track of your journey – including any changes or disruptions –without you needing to send constant updates.

Buddy builds on the Journey Assistant experience you already know and love: step-by-step messages via WhatsApp or Messenger thatguide you through your trip, providing real-time updates and clear alternatives if plans change. No complicated apps, no tech headaches – just personalised help delivered through channels you already use and trust. It’s all about keeping you supported, every step of the way.

Why our Buddy service makes a difference:

• Peace of mind for friends and family – they can see you’re safe without you needing to call or text.
• Extra help in an emergency – your Buddy already knows your location and journey details.
• Easier meet-ups – no need to keep updating your arrival time if there are delays.
• Less distraction during your journey – focus on travelling, not constant messaging.

Our mission is to make train travel accessible tomillions who currently find it overwhelming. Research shows 4.5 million people in the UK avoid rail travel due to non-physical disabilities, and over 30% find public transport cognitively challenging. With the Buddy service, we're helping to remove those barriers, making journeys smoother, safer and more inclusive for everyone. Stay tuned for more updatesas we continue rolling it across the network!

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