Transport for the North today thanked Northerners for not using the train on the first day of revised timetables.
Last week the organisation’s Members said “crystal clear messaging” was needed to ensure the public understood the importance of helping to keep trains clear for those who really need them.
And today, Monday 18th May, that message appeared to be getting through loud and clear as Network Rail and train operators reported very similar levels of usage to this time last week.
David Hoggarth, Transport for the North’s Strategic Rail Director, said: “All of us know the importance of social distancing – and all of us know the importance of rail in helping key workers and essential users access the people and places they serve at this critical time.
“Last week, along with many others, we appealed to the public to only use rail travel for essential purposes – and even then, if no other alternative transport was available. We said then that rail capacity would be severely restricted because of social distancing requirements and that, even though more services would be running, space would still be at a premium.
“What’s been really encouraging is that people appear to have taken on board the advice. This makes it safer for those using and operating the services and it is a clear demonstration of users thinking of others before themselves. It is really heartening to see.
“Clearly it is still early days we are going to continue to monitor the situation closely,” David continued, “but the measures that are being put in place, coupled with the common-sense and selflessness being shown by the public should help us all as we go about re-starting our economy and getting the businesses of the North back into action again.
“It is important that people continue to consider whether their journey is necessary and, if it is, whether they can travel another way.”
