GWR ‘masks’ high-speed train to remind customers to wear a face covering

Travel outside of peak where possible and use the GWR app or a smart card to buy your ticket, train operator urges.

Here’s Great Western Railway’s eye-catching reminder for customers to wear a face covering on its services from Monday (June 15).

The train operator has applied artwork in the form of giant face coverings to either end of one of its high-speed Intercity Express Trains.

The ‘masked’ IET will re-enter service on Monday – the same day it becomes mandatory to wear a face covering on public transport as part of the easement on lockdown restrictions.



GWR’s Head of Communications Dan Panes said:

“We wanted to do something to reinforce the message about wearing a face covering, helping to keep customers safe and our staff safe.

“We are doing everything we can to carry as many people, safely, as we can. Please do help us by planning ahead and, where possible, travelling at quieter times – and please don’t forget your face covering.”

GWR is asking customers to do all they can to follow social distancing guidance. As well as wearing a face covering, planning ahead and avoiding peak travel times, customers are urged to buy tickets online, on a smart card or by using the GWR app.

Notes to editors
Great Western Railway (GWR) provides high speed, commuter, regional and branch line train services. We help over 100 million passengers reach their destinations every year - across South Wales, the West Country, the Cotswolds, and large parts of Southern England.

We’re currently seeing the biggest investment in the network since Brunel so we can offer more trains, more seats, and shorter, more frequent journeys and continue the network’s heritage of helping connect more businesses to new and prosperous markets. Through a series of initiatives we aim to be a good neighbour to the communities we serve and are committed to making a positive social impact in those regions. Learn how we're Building a Greater West at GWR.com. GWR is a FirstGroup company.