Rail operator, Grand Central, is offering passengers the chance to book train tickets six months in advance.
The operator, which links Yorkshire and the North East with London Kings Cross has confirmed that it has opened reservations and ticket sales all the way up to October.
Louise Blyth, Commercial and Customer Policy Director, said she was immensely proud that the company was the first to offer rail users the flexibility to plan their travel so far in advance.
“The team here have worked really hard behind the scenes to have this new approach in place for when we returned to services at the end of March,” she said.
“While our trains were in hibernation we used that time to engage with our passengers and communities and this is one of the things they told us they wanted – the flexibility to plan and book their journeys well ahead and benefit from our great value discounted fares. That opportunity is now available through the Grand Central website and telesales service.
“As the country gradually comes out of lockdown over the coming months it feels really good that we're the only train operator currently providing the means for people to make their plans to meet up with friends and loved ones right through the summer and into the autumn.
“Of course we realise plans can change too, that's why we're also offering the ability to change your reservation without a fee.”
The six-month reservation window will be updated on a rolling basis, with Grand Central able to do this after bringing in the new Rail Availablity & Reservation Service service.
Grant Central services returned on the 27th March 2021 after suspending them in January due to the third lockdown.
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At least Grand Central aren’t getting rid of the Class 180 Adelante diesel units.
One reason that air (and maybe coach) can sell more than rail in some cases is an ability to book a price competitive fare a long way in advance.
Certainty of price and space is a higher priority for many people than the “green-ness” of rail travel. Rail Delivery group could make great strides in offering ability to book up to 1 year out. Yes, timetable changes are an issue (same as for airlines) but an ability to reschedule (like for like) for free or get a refund with no penality if the journey cannot be made more or less as planned would resolve that, even better if the website sent an automatic email alert if the timetable changes and a rebooking/refund link if the changes are significant.