The Transport Benevolent Fund says there is still a need for its assistance, almost 100 years after its formation.
With more than 61,000 members in the UK passenger transport industry and over half coming from the coach and bus sector, the charity is paying out more than £2.5m in benefits annually.
“Every quarter we pay out £600,000-700,000, which shows how much people need help still,” says Ian Barlex, the fund’s Development Director.
He explains that the amount is rising every year and membership prices have stayed the same for more than 20 years.
“The way to continue to pay out at that rate is to recruit,” says Mr Barlex, who adds that 300 people are being recruited weekly although there are also memberships ending due to people leaving the industry, retiring or dying.
“One of the big things that has been growing for us in recent times is employer-paid membership.”
