Free bacon butties on offer as rail companies try to get commuters back on trains
The Rail Delivery Group is creating a scheme which offers breakfasts, coffees, audio books and other rewards for people who are getting trains to work. It comes as rail companies look to recover from home working and the pandemic.
Thursday 27 January 2022 02:25, UK
Lucky commuters will have the chance to win a free bacon sandwich - as train operators and cafes team up to try to welcome people back after work-from-home orders ended last week.
Through a Rail Delivery Group (RDG) scheme, people could be eligible for breakfast food and drinks from Greggs, a coffee from Pure, or other prizes like free audiobooks.
A 5% rise in the number of people getting a train at peak times in England has been recorded since office-base work resumed last week.
But passenger numbers are still just 53% of pre-pandemic levels.
Up to 1,000 Greggs orders will be available through the competition.
Passengers need to sign up at nationalrail.co.uk/commuter and choose which reward they would like.
Then they will be sent an email containing either a unique code, link, or instructions on how to redeem in-store.
The details of the journey being made must be entered, but a history of travel is not required.
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RDG chief executive Jacqueline Starr said: "Taking the train is more than just a journey, it benefits the environment, economy and local businesses.
"To encourage and support commuters as they return, the rail industry has launched a new commuter rewards website offering free hot drinks, mindfulness, course upgrades, music streaming, audiobooks and more to help enhance customers' on-train and at-destination experiences."
Pure boss Spencer Craig said: "Like most businesses that rely on the commuter market, we saw our customer base drop by over 50% due to the work-from-home restrictions coming into force, and rail commuters no longer coming into the city.
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"We're delighted to be working with the rail industry on their commuter rewards platform and look forward to welcoming customers back and providing them with delicious, nutritious meals and drinks on the go."
The offers will be introduced in the coming weeks.
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