Transport for London has announced that passengers using ticket machines at London Overground stations can now make an optional donation to the Railway Children charity.

The new feature has been added to ticket machines at 81 stations. The donation can be added when topping up Oyster cards. All of the donation made is being paid straight to the charity.

The Railway Children charity work in the UK as well as in Africa and India. They focus on children at risk of abuse and exploitation on the streets. The Railway Children charity relies solely on donations.

Work in the UK is with young vulnerable people finding themselves in danger in and around the transport network, making sure they are kept safe.

The new ticket machine feature has been developed in partnership with Railway Children, Arriva Rail London (operators of the London Overground network) and ticket machine manufacturer Worldline.

What did the officials say?

Rory O’Neill, TfL’s General Manager of London Overground, said:

‘This new feature on the Worldline ticket vending machine will really help support the work of the Railway Children by making it easier to donate money to support this good cause.

‘Hundreds of young people across the capital are supported by the charity each year, offering hope and helping to provide positive changes in their lives.

‘So whether you are able to donate a few pence or a few pounds it will all go towards supporting the great work this charity does all year round.’

Dave Ellis, Corporate Partnerships Manager for Railway Children, said:

‘Railway Children are incredibly proud of our partnership with TfL and this new scheme is such an innovative and accessible way to raise both funds and awareness for our essential work.

‘The money donated will have a very real impact on the lives of vulnerable children, not only in London but throughout the UK as well as around the world.

‘When you consider that just £20 could fund an hour of support work for a UK runaway child or young person and their family, you get a real sense of just how life changing this initiative will really be.’

Stella Rogers, Arriva Rail London Customer Experience Director, said:

‘Our new Worldline ticket vending machines not only make paying for travel easier, but the Railway Children donation feature has the potential to make a real difference to so many vulnerable children’s lives across the world.

‘With thousands of generous customers taking journeys on the London Overground every day, this is a great opportunity to harness technology for social good. We’re looking forward to seeing the positive impact that this has on a charity that is close to our railway family.’

Lisa Coleman, Chief Executive Officer for Worldline said:

‘I have been privileged to visit the Railway Children projects and see first-hand the amazing work that the Railway Children Charity do on behalf of children who find themselves vulnerable and alone on the UK streets and around the world.

‘The team at Worldline are very pleased and proud to be able to support TfL to enable charitable donations across the London Overground fleet of Ticket vending machines.’

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