As the government has relaxed Covid-19 travel restrictions in recent weeks, it has given rail passengers an additional six months from their original expiry dates to redeem rail travel vouchers. These are issued as compensation for delays or other disruptions to journeys and normally have to be redeemed within one year. The news of the extension was first announced by Rail Technology Magazine on Tuesday 20th April.
The Government looks to ensure thousands of rail passengers are not left out of pocket, despite having followed ‘stay at home’ guidance.
Thousands of passengers with rail travel vouchers, which have expired or are due to expire between October 20, 2020 and June 30, 2021 will receive an additional six month extension beyond their original expiry date, in recognition of the the fact that most passengers have been unable to use them during the second and third national lockdowns.
The Government’s roadmap out of lockdown has ensured significant parts of the indoor economy and further outdoor settings have reopened in recent weeks, including non-essential retail, personal care and hospitality businesses in England, with overnight stays permitted.
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said: “This extension ensures that passengers with travel vouchers are not penalised for following government advice.
“By offering people more time to redeem their vouchers, we are ensuring that passengers will not be left out of pocket as they come back to the railways.”
Jacqueline Starr, Chief Executive Officer of the Rail Delivery Group, added: “This welcome extension means more people will be able to get out and about by train as restrictions ease.
“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.”
In recent months more than 1,000 weekday services have been added since mid-February 2021, up from around 16,900 per day to almost 18,000 from today. With even more significant service uplift is planned for May.
No news, however, on extensions to railcard validity which is seen as unlikely.
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Alex Nelson
