RESTRICTIONS have been lifted to allow pensioners and disabled passengers to travel by train on West Midlands Railway before 9.30am – for free.
The train company today (Monday March 23) is running a revised timetable in response to the coronavirus pandemic allowing members of the English National Concessionary Travel Scheme to use their local train service at any time without charge.
The announcement comes as supermarkets across the region are reserving the first hour of the day for the vulnerable and shoppers over 70.
Jonny Wiseman, customer experience director for West Midlands Railway, said: “Although demand for rail travel has significantly dropped following the government recommendation to only travel if necessary, we know that some vulnerable passengers will rely on our services to keep moving.
“With supermarkets now inviting elderly and disabled customers to visit their stores at opening time, we are playing our part by lifting the 9.30am restriction for concessionary pass holders at a time when commuter numbers are low.
“I would remind passengers who do need to travel to check their journeys before setting out as we are now operating a reduced timetable until further notice.”
Concessionary pass holders do not need a new pass to travel for free before 9.30am and can simply show their usual pass if requested.
For the latest information on travelling during the coronavirus pandemic and to see the new, reduced timetable, visit wmr.uk/coronavirus or for live travel information see www.wmr.uk/plan.