The Friday morning peak restrictions have been removed by Avanti West Coast for journeys to and from London Euston starting today.
The trial will run into 2021 and means passengers can take advantage of Off-Peak and Advance tickets throughout the day.
The current morning peak restrictions mean passengers must wait until after 09:30 to use an off-peak ticket.
For example, passengers with an Off-Peak ticket travelling from Manchester to London need to use the 09:35 service, which arrives into the capital just before midday. However, with the new trial, passengers can use any morning train, from as early as 05:05.
Afternoon peak restrictions on a Friday were already removed by Avanti West Coast, and this move makes the entire Friday “off peak”.
Sarah Copley, Executive Director, Commercial at Avanti West Coast said: “Removing the Friday morning restrictions gives customers more freedom to choose when they travel and when lockdown measures ease make the most of their extended weekends and days out.
“Just as importantly, it allows us to spread demand and maintain social distancing onboard our services. This will help our customers who decide to travel, to travel with confidence.”
David Sidebottom, Director, Transport Focus added: “Passengers will welcome this trial. Any move that helps save money and maintain social distancing should prove popular, and when the time is right, encourage more people to use rail services again.”
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