The South West’s leading train operators have trialled a new 'virucidal' sanitiser treatment as they battle to make their train carriages as safe as possible for railway users during the coronavirus pandemic.

Great Western Railway and South Western Railway have announced the trial of a powerful sanitising treatment which they claim kills 99.99 per cent of viruses and bacteria on surfaces for extended periods of time.

The special treatment is sprayed inside train carriages overnight, building to a fog which coats all surfaces. The train operators say this treatment is proven to fight against Covid-19 for up to 28 days.

The rail operators claim the treatment is environmentally-friendly and does not use any alcohol or dangerous chemicals.

GWR Interim Managing Director Matthew Golton said: "For those who need to travel, we are doing everything we can to carry as many people, safely, as we can. This new trial is just one example of that, helping those who do need to travel to do so with confidence.

"But please do help us by planning ahead, travelling, where possible, at quieter times, and wear a face covering to keep yourself and our staff safe.”

As well as this new treatment, GWR is asking customers to do all they can to follow social distancing guidance and acknowledges that this is difficult on public transport. With the further easing of lockdown restrictions due on Monday, the train operator is asking customers to:

• Wear a face covering

• Plan ahead – check train times in advance

• Avoid peak travel times

• Buy tickets online, on Smart card or mobile

The advice follows an update to the National Rail App which indicates to people searching for a journey if a specific train or station is looking busy. It will take operational messages about busy trains and stations that are sent by frontline rail staff to control rooms and display these in passenger-friendly language on their journey planning websites and apps.

People will see a red or yellow warning triangle when they search their journey and, by clicking on it, will be able to find out more information and advice.

To minimise risks customers are also asked to wash their hands prior to and after their journey, and hand-sanitiser has been made available at GWR’s main stations. To help those who do need to travel avoid contact, food and drink will not be sold on board.

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