The pandemic has changed us forever - and that includes the way we travel to and from work. Whether you’re travelling five times a week or just once a month, we want you to feel safe and be as safe as possible. With most of us now double-jabbed and social distancing regulations relaxed, we’ve created this space to help you feel safe as you navigate your new commute.
You’ve told us about three key areas that cause you the most concern when you travel:
- How you can minimise contact during your journey.
- How we all should behave onboard trains and at stations.
- Onward journey options.
Before you set off
Train times and frequency have changed. We’re running more than 80% of our pre-pandemic timetable, and you can find the latest train times and timetables on our journey planner.
To make your journey easier, consider travelling at quieter times. If you can change your routine, travel between 10:00 and 15:00, or after 18:00 on weekdays. Trains are quieter at these times, with more space onboard. Your ticket will be cheaper too as off-peak tickets are valid during these times, making it more comfortable for you and for those people that need to travel at busiest times. Use our 'How busy is my train?' guide to find quieter trains.
Buy train tickets online and with a Touch Smartcard or eTicket you won't have to pick up or handle a paper ticket. It’s also a great way to travel without needing to queue at the ticket office – just head straight for the ticket gates.
Staying safe on your train journey
Travelling contactless can start from the moment you arrive at the station. You can now pay for your car parking by phone, online or through the RingGo app. At many of our stations, you can check availability before you leave home – just check out our car parking information page.
Allow other passengers off before you board. Stand well back and allow your fellow passengers off the train before you board, giving them plenty of room. On some of our busier services it may not be possible to social distance. If this is the case, please wear a face covering out of respect for others if you can.
Please be considerate to people around you in our stations and on our trains. When it’s necessary to sit next to other customers, you may wish to ask that it’s okay to do so. Some travellers may be anxious or suffering from weakened immune systems that mean that they need to social distance. On busier trains it’s also important to stow your bags properly too – please don’t be offended if you’re asked to move your bag from a seat so that another traveller can sit down. Our trains have overhead racks for stowing bags, and smaller bags can be placed underneath seats too.
A lot of what we’re doing to keep you safe when travelling can’t be seen – but includes:
- Ventilating trains to refresh air
- Cleaning trains and stations more regularly and continuing to pay particular attention to commonly touched surfaces such as ticket machines, grab handles, stair handrails and door buttons
- Using a powerful sanitising product which provides strong, long-lasting antimicrobial protection against a range of bacteria, viruses and pathogens.
- Providing hand sanitiser dispensers across our network.
- Encouraging good hand hygiene amongst our colleagues.
You can also find out more in our Covid-19 travel information FAQs.
Onward travel
As we all form new habits and new ways of working, why not do something different from the usual dive onto the Tube for your onward journey?
Walking
One of the healthiest and greenest options for getting around London is walking – as well as providing some impressive views of the city from ground level.
Central London Footways a network of quiet and interesting streets for walking in central London. It's been curated by London Living Streets to connect major places with appealing and accessible streets, linking major stations like Waterloo station to popular destinations and green spaces.
Check out all the route options at London Living Streets.
Cycling
Just as healthy as walking - but possibly a bit quicker. There are lots of Santander cycle hire points around Waterloo and across central London that could work for your journey.
Transport for London have also created a cycle route map that you may also find useful.
Electric scooters
For short hops with minimal effort, electric scooter hire may be the way to go. New to London, Transport for London are trialling hiring schemes across the city, including in Lambeth, Southwark, Westminster and Richmond.
What if it’s raining?
The weather in the UK being what it is, it’s wise to plan for the rain. London Waterloo station is well-served by bus routes with stops around the station. You can check out train and bus times on the Transport for London website, along with their latest travel advice.
Or perhaps it’s time to grab a taxi - the taxi rank is just outside through the main arch (exit 3) on Cab Road.
Commuter Rewards
Heading into the office again brings us more benefits than just meeting colleagues again. There’s also the chance to see friends, enjoy an after-work bite to eat or drink and socialise again!
SWR Commuter Rewards is our new rewards scheme, bringing you exclusive offers and deals every time you book with us. Sourced by us with commuters in mind you will find great deals on things to do in the evening after work with colleagues or friends. All you have to do is show your SWR ticket to claim your discount and make that day in the office even more rewarding.
Visit SWR Rewards to see what discounts and savings are available.
