60 SECONDS WITH TEMITOPE SAKA

Every Month on Exchange Extra, we take sixty seconds out to get to know our team. Follow us on our journey to connect all members of our network.

This month we introduce you to Temitope Saka!

Name: Temitope Saka

Job title: Passenger Assistance Controller

Location: OBC New Cross Gate

Hi Temitope! Please sum up your role in one sentence

My role is to make sure passengers who need assistance, usually referred to as MIP/ VIP have a smooth journey by putting arranged assistance in place when departing and arriving at stations. Also, to answer help points calls, make PA announcements as required, report faults of any station facilities, i.e. lifts and update on Tyrell accordingly to create awareness across the network.

Tell us about your journey to ARL…

I was once a regular passenger at West Croydon station, usually there to catch my train to work. I spoke with the staff there and admired how they delivered great customer service, which caught my interest in the job. I was told about Carlisle Support Services, and that was where the journey started. 

While in Carlisle, I covered both gate line and events/crowd control shifts. It was a different environment compared to my previous role in the retail sector, but I settled in quickly and enjoyed all the experiences that came with the role.

During my shift, I was approached to come over to the Operation Building Complex (OBC) as agency staff to cover the passenger assistant desk and then the vacancy for the role appeared at some point which I applied for, creating an opportunity for me to join ARL.

What do you enjoy about working at ARL?

At ARL, I’m offered career growth and have limitless access to on-the-job training and experience, which improves my skill set and dexterity.

The multicultural work environment has helped improve my social skills which is essential for the sustenance of a highly tolerant workplace.

In your career so far, what are you most proud of?

Being part of a great team, which has built a reputation in providing an excellent service to people. 

This service is an integral part of the business which sees a smooth day-to-day operation, providing assistance to passengers to ensure they travel safely while using the London Overground.

Tell us about your most memorable railway trip…

I haven’t had any but I’m looking forward to having one soon. I can now enjoy trips through our discounted railway travel since joining ARL.

If you could book a ticket to any destination, where would you go?  

Dubai or Abu Dhabi.