Train operator Grand Central is backing a new customer confidence scheme by Visit Britan, and they hope it will help put the train back at the heart of business travel.
Along with Cross Country and Chiltern Railways (all part of Arriva’s UK Trains Division), Grand Central have gained accreditation to Visit Britain’s ‘Good To Go’ initiative.
They hope this will help reassure passengers of the safety in taking the train during the Coronavirus pandemic.
The accreditation means they have been recognised for taking the necessary measure to meet the Government guidelines for COVID-19.
Businesses and passengers can be reassured that taking the train is a safe and easy travel option.
Lorna Thornton, Head of Business Sales, for Arriva’s rail division, said: “Rebuilding confidence in rail travel is essential as the country begins returning to work and COVID-19 restrictions are gradually eased.
“Business travellers are now looking to train companies for reassurance over things like on board cleaning and social distancing, as well as the usual requirements such as Wi-Fi and reliability. This is why at Arriva we’re working really hard to show people we’re doing everything to ensure they can travel with confidence and feel safe.
“Visit Britain is the UK’s official tourism body but we recognised that it’s ‘Good To Go’ scheme was not only something we needed to support but also be part of. Its goals align with ours. When it comes to train travel, it doesn’t matter if you’re on board for leisure or business, you want to hear those explicit reassurances on anti-COVID measures.”
Clarity’s Commercial Director, Sue Chapman, said: “With 96 per cent of companies worldwide saying they need guidance on how business travel will look in a world with COVID-19, the rail industry must step up and meet those needs. It’s going to be an evolving process but reassurance is vital in rebuilding confidence. The Good To Go accreditation is a great foundation to build that confidence on.”
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Responses
I probably would think that the Government should take away the “Arriva logo” bit on the Grand Central franchise and let them take over the open access franchise and to bring back the London Euston-Blackpool North route with the Class 90 Mk4s. As Arriva lost the Northern Rail franchise to the government. Arriva are useless and should never run the railways just like what National Express have done before.
A lot of people including those who use Grand Central aren’t happy with them because Grand Central ditched the London Euston-Blackpool North route that it was suppose to of happened this month or before the end of this year. But they should restart it from next year.
But due to Covid-19 it has had a knock on effect with not just Grand Central but with other rail operators struggling to keep their services afloat and wanting more passengers to use the trains despite the restrictions.