CROSS Solent operator, Hovertravel, has launched a new 'HoverCare' travel card initiative to improve services for customers with a variety of needs.

The new cards will help provide a more tailored and personalised service for passengers and it will also act as identification for discounted on-going travel.

Neil Chapman, managing director at Hovertravel, said: “It has been over 12 months since we introduced the HoverCare initiative and we have run comprehensive training across all our teams to improve accessibility for all.

"In our most recent wave of training we are learning dementia awareness and even some basic Makaton. These skills are put into practise every day in our operation and we wanted to make sure that our customers get the maximum benefit from these skills we have learnt.”

Hovertravel customers will be able to request a HoverCare card which will indicate whether they require help with luggage, are a lip reader, whether they need to be seated, or would like help boarding the hovercraft.

The HoverCare card can also, if the customer wishes, show that the holder has reduced mobility, autism, dementia, reduced vision or impaired hearing.

Carers can request a HoverCare Card if they are regularly travelling and may gain free of charge travel when they travel whilst providing care (on a one-to-one basis) to a person who has reduced mobility or who is entitled to disability care.

Neil adds: “By showing the HoverCare Card to our staff, our customers will receive any extra assistance they may need without even having to ask and can be confident that our teams are on hand to make sure each and every journey is the best it can possibly be. Come along to one of our coffee mornings, sign up for your card and see how we can provide assistance which is best suited to you.”

Cards can be requested in the terminals on production of the appropriate identification. Hovertravel’s forthcoming coffee morning sessions will run between 10am and 12noon on the following dates: Thursday October 18, Monday November 19 and Wednesday December 5.

For further information and details of eligibility please visit: https://www.hovertravel.co.uk/terms-and-conditions.php#changes