Pendolino wears a face covering to promote new guidance

• Face coverings on public transport become mandatory in England
• Additional safety measures introduced such as long-lasting sanitiser
• Customers asked to travel at quieter times if possible

Avanti West Coast has fitted its iconic Pendolino trains with face coverings to reinforce new Government rules.

From today (15 June), it will be mandatory for almost everyone to wear a face covering on public transport in England to help prevent the spread of coronavirus.

In Wales and Scotland, although not mandatory, face coverings are still strongly recommended while travelling on public transport.

To reinforce this, Avanti West Coast has wrapped the nose of two Pendolinos with a yellow face covering, along with a message on the side saying: ‘Safe Travels. Wear a face covering.’

Some people may not be able to wear a face covering, for example children under 11, people with breathing difficulties and people whose disabilities make it difficult for them to wear a face covering.

The inter-city operator has already introduced a number of extra protective measures including a reservation system for its trains, encouraging customers to book online and asking them to avoid the busiest times so social distancing can be maintained.

One-way systems at stations have also been introduced and signage has been installed to help customers and employees keep their distance.

Here are some of the measures we're taking to keep you safe onboard and at stations.

Our enhanced cleaning includes a trial of Zoono, which is sprayed in carriages with a "fogging" machine. This long-lasting sanitising treatment kills 99.99% of viruses and bacteria on surfaces. pic.twitter.com/cOEos6Fyn1

— Avanti West Coast (@AvantiWestCoast) June 12, 2020

To further protect against COVID-19, Avanti West Coast is currently trialling a surface sanitiser onboard its Pendolino and Voyager fleets as part of an enhanced cleaning regime.

The powerful disinfectant, known as Zoono Z-71, is sprayed inside carriages and is designed to provide long lasting anti-viral protection.

Managing Director of Avanti West Coast, Phil Whittingham, said: “Nothing is more important than safety, so we’ve introduced these measures to give our customers confidence to travel with us.

“We also need our customers’ help: please bring a face covering with you, buy your ticket in advance and avoid the busiest times if possible.”

ENDS