Merseyrail offers free travel to NHS workers

NHS staff will now be able to travel for free on Merseyrail trains across the Liverpool City Region.

The announcement, made jointly with bus operators Arriva and Stagecoach, follows a request from the Metro Mayor.

NHS staff will be able to travel for free by simply showing their NHS ID badge at Merseyrail stations or on trains. This will come into effect from Friday 10^th April.

The period of free travel will be kept under review alongside other temporary transport measures implemented in response to the COVID-19 crisis and during the period of lockdown.

Andy Heath, Managing Director at Merseyrail, said: “NHS workers are doing an incredible job battling COVID-19 so we are delighted to be able to support them by offering free travel to and from work on our train services.

“As we are running a reduced timetable due to the pandemic, we encourage passengers to check our website and social media for more information.

“We’d like to remind passengers that our trains are for key workers and those making essential journeys only. Please stay home, protect the NHS and save lives.”

NHS staff will be able to travel for free on production of a valid NHS photo staff pass.

Steve Rotheram, Metro Mayor of Liverpool City Region, said: “We want to do everything we can to support our frontline NHS workers as they bravely battle the Coronavirus, so I’m very pleased that today Arriva, Stagecoach and Merseyrail have responded to my call and agreed to provide free transport for our NHS heroes.

“This is the latest transport measure the Combined Authority and transport operators have been able to bring forward to support use of our transport network for essential journeys, including the temporary suspension of Mersey Tunnel tolls and relaxing the rules on concessionary travel for those who absolutely have to travel for medicines and other essential items.

“The advice of course remains that people should only travel if absolutely necessary during this period of lockdown.”

Photo credit: Keith Heaton / Shutterstock.com

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