Retail staff join train station coronavirus announcements initiative

From today, essential workers, including supermarket staff, will take over UK railway station announcements.

As coronavirus lockdown rules are eased, they will be encouraging people to travel at quieter times, wear a face covering and take other steps to help those who really need to use trains, such as using e-tickets and contactless whenever possible.

The Network Rail initiative launches ahead of the reopening of non-essential retail businesses in England and the introduction of mandatory face covering rules when travelling by train from Monday.

This is the first time that a programme of announcements made by passengers will be broadcast across stations in England and Scotland (it’s usually done by station staff or via automated technology).

Zoey Young is a Team Manager at a Co-op store in Ronkswood, Worcestershire. Her announcement is: "Hi, I'm Zoey, and I work in a convenience store. To help keep everyone safe please wear face coverings on your journey, and please make sure you wash your hands. Thank you for making a difference, and helping us to keep our communities fed."

Hannah Sperry, who also recorded an announcement and is a care home worker in Glasgow who travels to and from work with ScotRail, comments: “Travelling by train during the pandemic has been very unusual, with thankfully very few people around, helping to protect me and make my life easier, particularly after a 12 hour shift.”

“I jumped at the chance to record these announcements, which allows me to ask others to help me and to thank them for their continued support, which has really kept me going over the last few months.”