Lockdown 2.0 hits rail travel

FROM NOVEMBER 5, 2020 the UK Government introduced a second lockdown for England, due to run until December 2. The rules and restrictions were somewhat different from the first lockdown last March, with more businesses allowed to remain open, as well as schools and universities. However, the overall advice was to stay at home, except for essential shopping, medical appointments and to go to work if working from home was not possible. This was in response to rapidly rising COVID-19 infections leading to increasing pressures on the NHS in certain parts of the country.

The effect on the railways was pronounced. After a few months where passenger numbers had begun to recover, demand nosedived again and TOCs reduced timetable schedules widely. Both East Coast Main Line open access operators, Hull Trains and Grand Central, withdrew services again for the period, due to resume again once the lockdown was over. Meanwhile, different restriction schedules were being followed in the devolved nations, with Wales emerging from its own two-week ‘circuit breaker’ lockdown about a week after England’s began. However, strict restrictions remained in place and the same was due to happen in England from December 2, with most areas expected to resume Tier 2 or Tier 3 rules, meaning only essential travel is permitted.

The lockdown has once again affected heritage railways, but fortunately November is usually a quiet time for them anyway, with most running seasons over, leaving just the ‘Santa Specials’ and other festive trains to consider. Most railways that are planning to run these are hopeful they will be able to offer a service in December and over the New Year, but that is dependent on which Tier restriction is in place. Anyone planning to attend or travel on any of these festive trains is advised to check with the relevant railway that to make sure it is going ahead.