03.07.20
‘Safer travel pledge’ issued by train companies
As lockdown restrictions look to be relaxed further this weekend, with businesses like pubs, restaurants and cinemas beginning to reopen, train operators have issued a ‘Safer Travel Pledge’ with more services being added from Sunday 5th of July.
The Safer Travel Pledge, which will be exhibited in train stations around the country, will help people who work in pubs, cafes, hairdressers and the wider hospitality industry to have confidence in their journey as they return to work for the first time in over three months.
Under the new Safer Travel Pledge, extra services are being introduced by the rail industry where possible to meet increased demand and timetables will be designed to prioritise more trains at peak times and busier stations to prevent overcrowding.
Here are the eight pledges rail companies have committed to in order to help combat the spread of Covid-19:
- More trains and extra carriages in timetables, to make extra room and help with social distancing.
- New social distancing signs, so people know where to go, stay 2 metres apart where possible and avoid pinch points.
- Powerful fog cleaning on trains, with trains and stations cleaned more frequently through the day.
- Soap restocked more often in stations and on trains, so it’s easier to keep your hands virus-free.
- Vending machines for face coverings and hand sanitiser, at over 150 stations making it easer for passengers to buy what they need.
- Hand sanitiser points in over 300 stations, helping protect people from the virus.
- New service on Messenger app altering people to busy trains, look up National Rail on Messenger to get started.
- Up to 2,5000 extra staff available at key locations, to help passengers on their way.
Passengers are also being asked to:
- Travel off peak, keep distance wherever possible and avoid the busiest times.
- Wash your hands, carry hand sanitiser and wash hands before and after your journey.
- Bring a face covering, wear it throughout your journey, but remember that hidden disabilities and medical conditions mean not everyone can.
- Check before you travel, visit the National Rail website before setting off and sign up for travel alerts via the Messenger app.
Director of Nations and Regions at the Rail Delivery Group, Robert Nisbet, said: “With pubs, restaurants and other businesses reopening next week, more people will be taking the train.
“While we are still asking people only to take the train if necessary, as the lockdown is eased further, we are stepping up timetables and taking other steps so people can travel with confidence. In return, we want people to help us by avoiding the busiest times, wearing a face covering and checking the latest train information online before setting off.”
Images: Rail Delivery Group