On Friday the 27th of March, Transport for the North, rail operating companies, Network Rail, and the British Transport Police have announced that rail passengers in the North should only use the region’s railway for essential travel only.

This is due to people recently using the railways to take day trips for non-essential purposes.

These non-essential journeys increase the risk of spreading the COVID-19 virus, so the Transport for the North and the Rail Industry encourages travellers to STAY AT HOME and SAVE LIVES.

Social distancing is the key in slowing the spread of the Coronavirus, so the travellers that do have to use the railways for essential purposes can do so with the minimum of risk, as many passengers are key workers.

For non-essential travellers, taking the train to a quiet place for a walk or some other form of exercise is no longer an option.

What did the officials say?

David Hoggarth, Strategic Rail Director for Transport for the North, said:

“Rail operators, themselves are having to cope with high absence levels and have trimmed back services as they begin to introduce ‘key worker’ emergency timetables.

“Together they want to ensure the rail services that do operate are kept free for those who really need them.”

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