UK Rail to Extend Timetables as Travel Restrictions Ease

Rail companies across the UK added more than 2,500 daily services to their timetables ahead of the relaxation of Covid restrictions, which come into play today, 17 May.

The move brings the total number of daily weekday services to over 20,500.

Leeds railway station
Leeds railway station

As part of the industry’s safer travel pledge, rail companies are also providing better passenger information to help customers avoid busier services and are encouraging people to travel at quieter times where possible.

Robert Nisbet, Director of Nations and Regions for the Rail Delivery Group, said:

“As part of our safer travel pledge, we've made journeys more comfortable and reliable for people when they return and while we are adding thousands more daily services to increase space, social distancing may not always be possible.”

Better passenger information and personalised alerts to help people avoid busier services are available via National Rail on Facebook Messenger and will soon also be available via WhatsApp and SMS.

Last week this service was improved to offer onward journey planning, helping train passengers complete their journey to and from the station.

Chris Heaton-Harris, government Rail Minister, said:

“By providing detailed travel information passengers will be able to plan ahead, avoid busier trains and feel confident on their journey.”

Enhanced cleaning continues on trains and at stations with a particular focus on high touchpoint areas.

Recent surveys undertaken by the independent passenger watchdog, Transport Focus, have shown that nine in ten of those making train journeys in the past week feel safe doing so.

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