allegro wrote on Dec 29
th, 2021 at 1:04pm:
My wife has just received her Freedom Pass. The leaflet enclosed with it refers to Traveline 0871 2002233.
Searching the main site shows that Traveline is a network of local operators, some of which have alternative numbers.
Is it legal for Traveline to use an 0871 number at all?
It certainly isn't legal to publish the number without a declaration of call charges as London Councils hae done.
Traveline's own website
https://www.traveline.info/contact/ has the curious remark: "Alternatively, for support on all our services including on our 0871 200 22 33 telephone service and our 84268 text service, please call us on 01766 800 871."
Good Evening
allegroWhilst I cannot comment on the legality of including an 0871 number on the leaflet London Councils issued with your Wife's Freedom Pass, I can agreed it's morally wrong, and here's why:
Freedom Passes are predominantly used in London, where all services are managed by TfL who have their own contact number for any info you need, which is charged at a standard geographic rate.
Any documentation providing a non-gerpgraphic rate number, such as the 0871 number provided by Traveline must have it's calling information provided with it. I believe this maybe one for
OfcomAlso you should complain to both
Traveline (expect a reply based on costs of providing the service) and
London Councils (who administer the passes and are responsible for sending out that info)
Do let us know how you get on.