To help train passengers maintain their distance, and to reduce the effect of high numbers of passengers using just a few peak-time trains, London North Eastern Railway (LNER) is easing ticket restrictions on Fridays to spread demand throughout the day.
From Friday 21st August, passengers will be able to purchase Super Off-Peak tickets throughout the entire day on Fridays. Restrictions are being eased on all routes to and from London King’s Cross and Stevenage, with the exception of passengers travelling between Stevenage and London King’s Cross and vice versa.
Fridays are traditionally one of the busiest days of the week, with both business and leisure travellers on the move. Whilst demand has not yet reached pre-lockdown levels, Friday services have continued to be some of the most popular.
LNER commercial director Suzanne Donnelly said: “Relaxing our restrictions on Fridays allows us to spread demand across the entire day, helping our customers to maintain social distancing, save some money and have more choice about when they travel.
“Combined with our reservation-only services and the enhanced cleaning of our trains and stations, this will allow us to further provide both a safe and enjoyable experience for our customers.”
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps responded: “I very much welcome LNER’s decision to ease ticket restrictions, which will help free up more space for social distancing by giving passengers more choice on when they travel.
“As services begin to return to normal levels and passenger numbers increase, it is our upmost priority to ensure everyone stays safe when travelling, which is why we’ve taken action to make face coverings mandatory on public transport, continued to advise people to travel at quieter times, wash their hands regularly and maintain social distancing, and delivered initiatives to encourage cycling and walking.”
Friday restrictions will remain eased until 4 January 2021.
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