Pictured are Naomi Rooney, Transport Accessibility Manager, NTA; Brian Mallen, Business Development Manager, NOW Group; Kate Connolly, JAM card ambassador; Christian Clarke, Accessibility Manager, Bus Éireann; Dolores Henchin; Ciarán Delaney, Disability Advocate, NOW Group; Amy Dowley, JAM card ambassador; and Rose Normile, Bus Eireann Accessibility officer. Photo: Julian Behal.

Number of JAM cards issued across TFI network reaches record levels

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Five years after the introduction of the JAM Card Initiative across the TFI Network, the National Transport Authority (NTA) announced that a record number of passengers have been issued with the card.

In the last year, 8,000 JAM cards and apps have been issued by the TFI services, raising the total number of cards distributed and apps downloaded in the last five years to a record 23,000.

These record figures are announced to coincide with the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) 2024 on Tuesday, December 3, which aims to promote the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities at every level of society and development.

The JAM Card initiative, which stands for “Just A Minute”, empowers passengers with a learning difficulty, autism or a communication barrier to discretely and easily relay to others that they may need a little extra time when navigating public or social situations.

The NTA introduced the JAM Card on services as part of the ongoing efforts to make public transport safe and accessible for all passengers.

Passengers can simply show their JAM Card to staff to communicate that they may need more time and understanding when using public transport. The initiative is fully supported by Bus Eireann, Go-Ahead Ireland, Irish Rail and Local Link.

Pictured are Bus Driver Danielle Becerra, Fiona Kelty Travel Assistant Dublin Bus and Amy Dowley using the Jam Card. Photo: Julian Behal.

Speaking about the milestone, NTA Transport Accessibility Manager Naomi Rooney said: “The NTA aims to make public transport easy to use and accessible for all. We have supported the JAM Card since its launch and see how it can have a positive impact on the many passengers who use it.

"Everyday activities can be more challenging for some people. Initiatives like the Travel Assistance Scheme and JAM Card make it easier for those with hidden disabilities to show they need time and understanding from others without having to say anything.”

NOW Group CEO Maeve Monaghan adds, “We are thrilled that the NTA are continuing to support the JAM Card initiative across the transport network in Ireland.

“Making it easier for JAM Card users to travel on public transport makes a big impact to the lives of those with hidden disabilities. We are incredibly thankful for the NTA recognising the importance of one of the leading accessibility and inclusion tools for its service users.”

For further information on the JAM Card initiative, please visit: https://www.transportforireland.ie/accessibility/jam-card/

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