| Journal: TWUK | Section: |
| Title: | Issue Date: 19/11/01 |
| Author: | Page Number: 4 |
| Copyright: Other |
Association increases TADA allocations in appreciation of trade support
ATOCto reward rail agencies with extra discounted tickets
Report by FIONAROBINSON
Tickets please: rail-appointed agencies will receive extra discounted fares
THEASSOCIATIONof Train Operating Companies is increasing the number of discounted tickets it allocates to rail-appointed travel agencies by 50% as it looks to build on its relationship with the trade.
The Travel Agent Discount Authorities, or TADAs, are issued to each appointed agency to be distributed between staff. Each TADA entitles staff to a 75% discount on a standard or first-class rail ticket.
An agency’s allocation of TADAs varies according to the amount of revenue it brings in through train tickets.
ATOC retail operations manager Mike Lamb said the increased incentives were a reward for the trade’s support during the rail crisis. “This is our way of saying thank you to the agents for sticking by us at a difficult time and recognising that they are an important part of our distribution network.”
Travel agencies will receive a letter from ATOC next month informing them of their increased allocation of discounted tickets.
ATOC is also planning to improve its training for agents and run more detailed courses on all the rail products the trade can sell.
“We want to enhance our training as we don’t feel agents are given enough chance to find out about the products rail companies are offering,” added Lamb.
ATOC has also embarked on a series of agent roadshows for rail-appointed agents to thank them for their support and update them on the new services and trains due to come on-line next summer, including Virgin’s pendolino trains.
The Manchester roadshow on November 22 is sold out but there are still places available for events at the Bristol Marriott Hotel City Centre on November 20, The Thistle, Newcastle, on November 21 and The Carlton Hotel, Edinburgh, on November 27.