Rail companies working with companies to run right level of services following lockdown

The Rail Delivery Group says it is working with government to ensure they run the right level of services.

It comes as England and Scotland entered another lockdown, which started today, following an increase in the spread of coronavirus.

Last night the Prime Minister Boris Johnson revealed that a new variant of the virus is between 50 and 70 per cent more transmissible.

Following this he said the Government was instructing people to stay at home, with people only able to leave for limited reasons:

• Shopping for essentials.
• If you cannot work from home.
• To exercise.
• To seek medical assistance
• To escape domestic abuse.

Reacting to the news, Robert Nisbet, Director of Nations and Regions for the Rail Delivery Group, which represents train operators and Network Rail, said: “Rail companies played an important role keeping key workers moving and supermarkets stocked during last year’s lockdowns. We are working closely with government to ensure we run the right level of services to do so again.

“By increasing cleaning and providing better customer information, our people are ensuring that those who must travel can do so with confidence.”

Following multiple changes to timetables last year, the number of services was increased from around 55% of pre-COVID levels in April to around 87% in December to increase space.

No further changes to service levels have yet been confirmed and train operators are working closely with government to ensure services continue to operate as they have done throughout the pandemic.

Last year, rail companies paid out over £500m in ticket refunds as people were unable to travel due to coronavirus.  People affected by the latest announcement of restrictions should contact the retailer of their tickets.

Click here to read the full announcement from Boris Johnson.

Photo credit: Rail Delivery Group

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