Free nationwide rail travel for veterans and serving personnel attending services of remembrance
Military personnel and veterans attending services of remembrance will be able to travel to and from the events by train for free next month.
The offer will benefit people travelling to and from services anywhere in Britain on Remembrance Sunday on 12 November.
And veterans and serving personnel attending the Remembrance Sunday ceremony at the Cenotaph can travel to any London terminal for free on Saturday 11 November or on the day itself – and be able to return home for free afterwards.
Rail Delivery Group (RDG), which represents train companies, said the offer is open to serving military personnel in uniform or who show a current Ministry of Defence-issued identity card.
Veterans can show a Veterans Railcard, a Veterans Oyster card or other proof of service such as a Ministry of Defence-issued Veterans ID card.
RDG chief executive Jacqueline Starr said: “Many of our great railway stations have memorials to the thousands of rail workers who gave their lives in the two world wars of the last century.
“During this period of reflection and remembrance, the rail industry is proud to help the service personnel of today – and those that have fought in more recent conflicts – travel to ceremonies up and down Britain as the nation gathers to remember those who have died serving our country.”
Transport Secretary Mark Harper said: “Remembrance Sunday is an important day of reflection across the country, honouring all of those who served our country with bravery and endeavour.
“It’s right that our veterans and serving military personnel will have free rail travel to and from remembrance services across Great Britain.
“We remember the past sacrifices, but also think of – and thank – those who continue to defend our freedoms and protect our way of life.”
Working in partnership with the Royal British Legion (RBL), the rail industry has also offered free travel to volunteers registered to raise money at official Poppy Day events in London on 2 November and Manchester on 9 November if they produce their RBL-issued ID.
Andy Taylor-Whyte, Poppy Appeal director for the RBL, said: “We are delighted that train companies recognise the significance of Remembrance, and the RBL is extremely grateful for the offer of free transport for veterans and service personnel.
“It will allow the men and women of our Armed Forces community to mark this occasion without worrying about additional cost.
“It is also a huge benefit that our wonderful volunteers can travel for free, allowing them to collect for the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal at both London Poppy Day (2 Nov) and Manchester Poppy Day (9 Nov).
“Our City Poppy Days offer the public a unique opportunity to interact with service personnel and veterans and help us to raise vital funds to support members of the Armed Forces community. It will also allow the public to get hold of our newly designed plastic-free poppies across London and Manchester,” he added.
Veterans or serving personnel taking part in other Remembrance-related events earlier in November may also be able to travel for free and should contact the train company they plan to use.
Network Rail is due to undertake planned engineering works on some lines on 11 and 12 November and those intending to travel are asked to check in advance whether their planned journey will be affected.
Poppy sellers fundraising at the official London appeal on 2 November will be able to travel to the capital for free on 1 or 2 November and from London on 2 or 3 November.
Those raising funds at the official Manchester event on 9 November can travel to the city for free on the day or on 8 November. They can also enjoy free travel out of Manchester on 9 or 10 November.
