Multiple UK train operators are enforcing or encouraging
advanced bookings from 18 May in an effort to maintain social distancing
measures on board, including London North Eastern Railway (LNER), Avanti West
Coast and Chiltern Railways.
LNER, which operates services from London to Leeds, York,
Newcastle and Edinburgh, has made it a requirement for passengers to purchase
tickets and reserve seats before travelling. Customers without a reservation
will not be allowed to travel owing to the operator reducing capacity on its
trains to allow for appropriate social distancing.
Meanwhile, Avanti West Coast and Chiltern Railways are
urging customers to book their tickets ahead of time but are not making the
measure mandatory. However, Avanti has warned passengers there is no guarantee
they will be able to get on the train if they do not have an advanced booking,
as it may not allow carriages to be more than a quarter full.
All three operators have already introduced enhanced
cleaning measures on board trains and at stations, with a particular focus on
high-touch areas such as door buttons, grab handles, tables and trays and other
touch points. They are also asking passengers to wear a facemask or covering
during their journey, both on the train and at the station, in line with new
government advice for using public transport.
LNER has removed on-board catering from all of its services,
including at-seat food and drinks for first class, standard trolley services or
food pre-orders and the Café Bar. Avanti has closed shops on board its Voyager
services, but they will remain open on Pendolino trains, and the at-seat
service for first class has been suspended on all trains.
Avanti has also closed its station waiting rooms and
lounges.
It comes as train operators across the country are preparing
to increase services from Monday after the government said people who cannot
work from home should be encouraged to return to their place of work.