“Taking a day trip is not essential” – this is the message being sent out by train operator Northern. They are calling on rail travellers in the North East to take time to think if their journey is essential.
The move comes after the operator has seen an increase in passengers using trains to get to the seaside and other beauty spots when trains need to be kept for essential journeys.
Capacity is down by 85% to keep social distancing guidelines in place, and Northern is asking for the public to leave the 15% spare for those who need it most.
Last weekend, sadly, the passenger numbers soared as temperatures rose, as they headed to Blackpool, Hope Valley and Saltburn.
Tony Baxter, Regional Director for Northern, said: “We know the temptation is there to jump on the train and head to some of the fantastic destinations the north east has to offer, and in ordinary circumstance we would welcome everyone onto the railway. But we are still being affected by the coronavirus pandemic and, as a result of social distancing measures, capacity on Northern’s trains is significantly reduced. We are still advising people to use public transport only if no other options are available, and if the journey is essential. The space we have on our trains should be left for those who need to make vital journeys.”
Tony added: “Destinations across the north of England will still be there to be enjoyed when the country recovers from coronavirus and I ask everyone to show a little more patience and take a little more time to consider if they absolutely have to travel by train.”
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Responses
Of Course, Anonymous!, A perfect work-place, without the inconvenience of passengers. no cleaning up, no awkward questions to answer, no tickets to check. The trouble is for both the Train Operating Companies, and future potential passengers is that the Government will stop funding railways with no passengers. Then the railway will close, and the railway workers will lose their very lucrative jobs. Not so good then!
The delusion is breathtaking. Former passengers will be avoiding “contaminated” trains until there’s vaccination. This idea you need to avoid trains to allow space for “key workers” is pure fiction. Trains are empty.