West Midlands Railway has announced that pensioners and disabled people, who are members of the English National Concessionary Travel Scheme, can now travel for free before 9:30 am to get to the shops.
This is to allow passengers to get to the shops during the early opening hours.
This announcement follows the introduction of a revised timetable from today in response to the coronavirus pandemic.
Concessionary pass holders do not need a new pass to travel for free before 9.30am and can simply show their usual pass if requested.
What did the officials say?
Jonny Wiseman, customer experience director for West Midlands Railway, said:
“Although demand for rail travel has significantly dropped following the government recommendation to only travel if necessary, we know that some vulnerable passengers will rely on our services to keep moving.
“With supermarkets now inviting elderly and disabled customers to visit their stores at opening time, we are playing our part by lifting the 9.30am restriction for concessionary pass holders at a time when commuter numbers are low.
“I would remind passengers who do need to travel to check their journeys before setting out as we are now operating a reduced timetable until further notice.”
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Responses
Well since PM Boris Johnson has announced that the 3 week lockdown is to happen. Well the lockdown has begun and it would prevent people from using public transport except those who work in the NHS and emergency services will be allowed to use trains and buses. Because of the Coronavirus outbreak. All train operators including West Midlands Railway should take precautions if anyone commuting to work will not be allowed to.