Question 4 – 18 Jun 2020 - Assuring older users that it is safe to use trains

[whole diary]

[Red Squirrel]

There are many of our members who are retired and going a bit "stir crazy"; age alone puts them in a higher risk group. Should we consider 2020 as a summer to write off, or may we see an "Indian Summer" in the Autumn?  How will you help / make such people feel safe as they return to public transport?  Do you feel there is a disjoint at times between being safe and feeling safe?

[Jason Ness]

This is an unprecedented situation; we understand that loneliness is a risk to physical and mental health.  It is something we have seen with our own colleagues who have been working from home or are shielding, and we’ve made a huge effort to keep in touch with them using digital and other means.  Our primary motivation is to keep people safe while following the Government advice – we would love to welcome people back this summer, and we are closely watching the travel advice that is given.We accept that feeling safe and being safe are two different things and we are trying to reassure customers through social media, videos, and our website that we are doing everything we can to keep customers and colleagues safe. We also have additional staff now at stations to help and guide customers returning to rail.

If members of this forum have any other ideas, we’d love to hear them.

[Red Squirrel]

Do you think it possible that people with Senior Railcards might have their validity extended, given that they can't use them at the moment?

[Jason Ness]

Under the current Emergency Measures Agreement (EMA) we're unable to change anything to do with fares without the approval of government, that includes extending any railcards I'm afraid.

[CyclingSid]

Does anyone know a footballer, or other celebrity, that might help the government "re-position" on Senior Railcards!

[RichardB]

Does anyone know a footballer, or other celebrity, that might help the government "re-position" on Senior Railcards!

I suspect (and hope) that when the railways reopen again to leisure travel, an announcement either extending the validity of existing railcards or adding additional months to renewed railcards will be made.  It would be a popular and not expensive move.  If need be, I'm sure there would be quite a few celebrities and/or retired footballers who hold railcards who would join the cause.   

[ellendune]

My railcard expired last week.  I am not in a hurry to renew it at the moment. 

[TaplowGreen]

Does anyone know a footballer, or other celebrity, that might help the government "re-position" on Senior Railcards!

How about the chap that used to tell us "This is the age of the train" - Is he available?

[nickswift99]

I've looked on iPlayer. He seems to be missing from the the Top of the Pops episodes.

Couldn't find the public health information film about swimming presented by an Australian either.

Fortunately the statues of IKB^▸ (Isambard Kingdom Brunel) and Paddington Bear still seem to be intact at Paddington, so all is well, but I fear the fondness for marmalade may do for Paddington yet.