07.09.20
LNER boost services as passengers return
As many people begin their usual commute again today, whether that’s back to work or back to school, many rail franchisers have increased their timetable accordingly.
One of these is London North Eastern Railway (LNER) who are introducing a number of extra services to the existing timetable.
This includes 10 more Anglo-Scottish services, with destinations such as Peterborough, Doncaster, York and Newcastle to benefitting from the extra services.
The September timetable follows the recent introduction of a new London to Bradford service as well as the return of services to destinations such as Lincoln and Harrogate.
LNER are continuing to run booking-only services and is offering a limited catering offer onboard to support costumers in maintaining social distancing.
Mandatory reservations allow social distancing and allow customers peace of mind knowing they will have a seat and be safe onboard throughout the duration of their journey.
In relation to services increasing, research published, back in August this year, by the Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB) has discovered the risk of Covid-19 infection being less than 0.01% on an average rail journey.
The analysis has shown the risk of contracting covid-19 whilst travelling by train is around 1 in 11,000 journeys. For comparison, this is less than 0.01%, based on an hour-long train journey in a carriage with no social distancing or face coverings.
The report also shows that the risk more than halves if passengers wear a face covering.
LNER Managing Director, David Horne, said: “The changes that we’re introducing from 7 September will increase our service levels from around 75 per cent up to 85 per cent of our pre-Covid timetable, so it’s a significant step forward as we welcome more passengers back to our services
“These additional services will also provide a welcome boost to communities along our route, such as Peterborough, York and Newcastle, which are just some of the destinations set to benefit.
“We are seeing more people travelling on our trains and these extra services will ensure that we can maintain social distancing in the coming weeks. We continue to work hard to ensure that travel on our trains is safe, with enhanced cleaning on trains and at our stations, complemented by our reservation-only approach to ensure everyone has a socially-distanced seat.”
Image: LNER