The UK’s Department
for Transport has announced that rail travel vouchers which have expired or are
due to expire between 20 October 2020 and 30 June 2021 will get an additional six
months after their original expiry date. This is to reflect the fact that most
passengers had been unable to use them during the second and third national
lockdowns.
Transport Secretary
Grant Shapps said: “This extension ensures that passengers with travel vouchers
are not penalised for following government advice.”
Jacqueline Starr, CEO
of the Rail Delivery Group said: “With rail companies boosting cleaning, adding
services to support social distancing and the vast majority of people wearing
face coverings, returning passengers can travel with confidence.”
The government is
still advising people to minimise their travel and work from home where they
can. However, for those who are travelling, people are advised to walk and
cycle where possible, and if travelling on public transport to plan their
journeys in advance and travel at quiet times and on quieter routes.
The government said
that more than 1,000 weekday services have been added since mid-February 2021 to
almost 18,000 from today. An even more significant service uplift is planned
for May.