With the Transport Benevolent Fund CIO (TBF) reaching its centenary in 2023, JAMES DAY learns about the charity’s origins and how it continues to support public transport workers through difficult times.
For 100 years now, TBF has been helping to support public transport workers and their families. The charity provides cash grants, medical assistance, a comprehensive range of alternative therapies, convalescence, counselling, legal advice and more to its membership, open to all affiliated with public transport in Great Britain.
I spoke to John Sheehy, the organisation’s CEO. A former London Underground tube driver, he was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in 1997.
“At the time, this meant I couldn’t go near the track,” he said. “I had to apply for a new job within London Transport (LT), so I applied for a job within the charity. I’ve been there ever since, and worked my way through to my current position as CEO.”
First World War origins
Though the original Train Omnibus and Tramway Benevolent Fund was set up in 1923, the organisation’s roots go back to the First World War. The TOT – Train Omnibus Tram Mutual Aid Fund – was established by a group of 12 transport companies for the benefit of worke…
