11.06.20
Railway station announcements taken over by key workers and school children
From today (June 11th) rail travellers will be hearing station announcements from other key workers, thanking them for only taking the train if it’s necessary and for following public health advice.
The new station announcements come ahead of the reopening of non-essential retail businesses in England and the introduction of obligatory face covering rules when travelling by train from Monday (June 15th).
The government have provided guidance detailing people should stay socially distant to help protect them and others from coronavirus, meaning there is room for around 10% to 20% of the usual number of people on trains.
To help people travel safely, together with government, rail companies are encouraging people who need to take the train to stagger their journeys by travelling when it is less busy.
Stations are also displaying posters prompting passengers to follow the new rules on wearing face coverings.
To support the advice, rail companies will be broadcasting station announcements from people who really need to travel by train. This includes key workers such as doctors, nurses and care workers, as well as supermarket staff, teacher and school children. Passengers will be hearing announcements like these in stations:
“I'm Zeynab and I’m a call handler at the London Ambulance Service. Please help me save lives by working from home if you can, by wearing a face covering on your journey, and maintaining your distance where possible.”
“Hi, I'm Lottie and I'm 8, and my parents are key workers. To keep all of us safe please wear a face covering and make sure you wash your hands often.”
“Hi, I'm Hannah and I'm a nurse in a care home. Thank you for keeping me and other passengers safe by avoiding busy times, paying contactless wherever you can, and wearing face coverings.”
Announcements like this have never been broadcast across stations in England and Scotland before, with announcements usually made by station staff or using automated technology.
Robert Nisbet, Director of Nations and Regions at the Rail Delivery Group said: “We’re delighted to have frontline workers and school children helping with our announcements. We hope people listen to their advice by only travelling if it’s necessary and, if they do, to travel at quieter times and wear a face covering. This is more important than ever as non-essential retail businesses prepare to open.
“Keeping safe at this time is a real team effort, with rail companies, our people and passengers playing their part to help keep themselves and others safe. We thank rail workers for their continued dedication to keeping the country moving and thank passengers for wearing face coverings and planning ahead.”