19.03.20
The rail industry’s response to Coronavirus
With coronavirus sweeping the headlines and the country over the past few weeks, Rail Delivery Group (RDG) have issued a statement regarding the rail industry.
They began by saying, “the health and wellbeing of everyone who uses the railway and our staff is always our priority. We know passengers may have concerns, and rail companies are working closely with government to take the steps needed to keep our vital services moving while keeping customers safe.”
RDG also illustrated out the steps they’re taking to help tackle the virus and keep people safe.
They are doing more to make sure that surfaces are being kept clean at stations, particularly in busy locations such as handrails and ticket machine touch screens.
Trains are also being checked frequently throughout the day in addition to cleaning which is taking place in depots.
They are also sharing advice and information about how to stay healthy, look for public health posters and other information around stations and on trains.
Furthermore, RDG are working with government and trade unions to ensure that they balance the need to keep as many services running to as many places as possible, in line with demand, while making sure they are able to maintain the staffing levels needed to keep services running over coming weeks and months.
RDG said they “…recognise that people’s travel plans may have changed since booking a ticket, so all train companies are suspending the £10 admin fee on refundable train tickets.
“If you have an Off-peak or Anytime ticket and decide not to travel due to concerns about Coronavirus, you can get a fee-free 100% refund from your ticket retailer. If you have a discounted Advance ticket, all train companies have agreed to waive the £10 admin fee so you can travel at a later date, if you choose. To do this, contact the train company you booked with.”
They have advised passengers that when travelling by train, if it is for an essential use and public transport is unavoidable to do the following;
- Use a tissue when you cough or sneeze, then throw the tissue in the bin.
- Wash your hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Avoid travelling if you feel unwell and/or have symptoms of the coronavirus. (A new, continuous cough or a high temperature.)