Rail companies are working together to deliver their plan for the government’s Christmas travel window, between 23 and 27 December.
This includes maximising space by runningmore and longer services where possible, providingimproved travel informationandtravel alerts, andextra staffon hand at busy locations to help you on your journeys.
With all long-distance train companies now selling tickets for the Christmas travel window, we're asking you toplan ahead,avoid busier timesandmake reservationsfor outward and return journeys, where these are offered.
Elsewhere, the impact of the pandemic means services on some routes are currently being finalised and people are being asked to check their train operator’s website for the latest information.
You can find out how your Christmas journeys will be affected with your train operator – viaNational Rail Enquiries– or by following#ChristmasRailWorkson Twitter.
Most of the railway will stay open for business in the run up to Christmas but planning ahead is particularly important if you're travelling on Boxing Day, when there will be a limited service.
London King’s Crossstation will be closed between Christmas Day and 30 December so we're asking you not to travel to and from the station.
The government has also waived change of journey admin fees for advance tickets bought before new Covid-19 tiers were announced on 26 November, enabling fee free changes and ensuring passengers are not left out of pocket for complying with the new restrictions.
Safer travel pledge
As part of the industry’s safer travel pledge, rail companies are taking steps so you can travel with confidence. They includecleaning more frequentlyand using powerful, long lasting,anti-viral products. You should also wash your hands regularly andwear a face covering, unless exempt.
Over £2.8bn has already been invested to improve the rail network during the pandemic when passenger numbers were lower, to minimise disruption while still keeping communities connected. Many Christmas works have been postponed but some are necessary and will need to go ahead. However, all efforts have been made to organise replacement transport in the form of buses and coaches so people can still reach their final destination safely.
Andrew Haines, chief executive of Network Rail, said: “Our frontline workers have continued to work tirelessly throughout the pandemic to maintain and upgrade the railway for those who need it and this festive period will be no different, with thousands of workers out delivering significant improvements across our infrastructure.
“It is vital that we drive improved rail performance through targeted investment work so that the railway can continue to play its part in Britain building back better from the covid-19 pandemic.”
Robert Nisbet, director of Nations and Regions at trade body Rail Delivery Group, said: “Christmas will be unusual for many and rail companies are doing all they can to bring people together during the government’s travel window, but this year more than ever we’re asking people not to turn up at a station and hope for the best.
“If people follow the advice to plan ahead and book outward and return reservations for longer journeys, alongside the extra cleaning, better information and additional carriages that are part of our safer travel pledge, everyone should be able to travel with confidence.”
What's happening around the railway during Christmas and New Year?
Most of the railway will be unaffected by engineering works over the Christmas and New Year period butsome upgrade projects are taking place, including:
- 重要的作品在东海岸主线为part of the East Coast Upgrade, which will improve reliability for passengers and boost connectivity between London, the North of England and Scotland. The work is now scheduled to start later than originally planned to ensure extra Christmas Eve services can run out ofKing’s Cross.
- Upgrades on theWest Coast Main Linethat will now be completed earlier than planned – on 27 December – to enable a full Sunday service to operate from 10am rather than midday, making it easier for passengers to travel home from their Christmas bubbles.
- Remodelling and roof repair work atBristol Temple Meadswhich will have amended timetables in operation fromLondon Paddington, with some trains at peak times not running at all between 28 December and 1 January. From 28 December until 11 January, timetables will be amended because platforms three to six at Bristol Temple Meads will be out of use.
- Switches and crosses renewals atLondon Waterloothat will provide a more reliable railway for passengers in future. Platforms 12 to 20 at Waterloo will be closed between 27 December and 3 January, with a reduced timetable in place between Waterloo and Clapham Junction. There will also be a reduced service between Woking, Basingstoke,Guildford, Portsmouth, Southampton, Weymouth and Salisbury over the festive period.
- Maintenance and track renewal works atLondonCharing Cross/London Cannon StreettoLondon Bridgeand New Crossto improve passenger safety and the journey experience. Southeastern services will operate from London Bridge, and there will be a bus replacement service between Lewisham and Hayes from 27 to 29 December. Between 1 and 3 January buses will replace trains between Lewisham and Hayes and between Lewisham and Charlton via New Cross.
- Vital maintenance to theGreat Eastern Main Line around Colchesterwill improve the reliability of services in the region. Engineering work will be taking place between 25 December and 3 January with rail replacement bus services running on several routes.