Henley Royal Regatta 2021: Travel advice
Train operator Great Western Railway will double the frequency of service on the Henley branch line to support this year’s Henley Royal Regatta, but is warning customers services will be busy, and face coverings are expected to be worn.
On Saturday 15 August a 7-carriage shuttle train will operate a half-hourly shuttle between Twyford and Henley-on-Thames, with a 4-carriage train on other days; connecting with maintain trains from/to London Paddington.
Services are expected to be busy however, and a queuing system in place to board services at Twyford towards Henley and when returning from Henley. In line with Government advice, customers are also expected to wear a face covering on board, and advised to travel earlier in the day.
Henley-on-Thames Station Manager Alison Hanscomb said that customers may need to be patient at the busiest times of day and should consider when they travel.
Alison said:
"We are delighted to once again transport customers to the world-renowned Henley Royal Regatta.
“While our friendly and approachable staff will be on hand to help keep people moving, I would urge passengers to allow time for their journeys, as a queuing system will be in place at both Twyford and Henley to allow passengers to board trains safely.
“It is expected that the busiest times will be between 0900 and 1300 towards Henley, and after 1600 until late evening from Henley, and people may want to consider travelling outside of those times if they are able to for the most comfortable journey.”
Branch line stations have made customers aware of changes to services, however those commuting towards London Paddington are advised to check before they travel as there are alterations to the usual timetable.
Notes to editors
Great Western Railway (GWR), operates trains across the Great Western franchise area, which includes South Wales, the West Country, the Cotswolds, across southern England and into London.
GWR provides high speed, commuter, regional and branch line train services, and before the covid-19 pandemic helped over 100 million passengers reach their destinations every year. GWR was recently awarded an extension to its direct award franchise (called DA3), which shall run up to 31 March 2023 with an option to extend for a further year.
GWR’s enhanced cleaning regime includes:
- A 24% increase in cleaning hours every week since March 2020
- Sanitising (fogging) of 1,120 vehicles every 4 weeks
- Carrying out 2,150 on board surface tests (ATP) every four weeks, to ensure the effectiveness of our cleaning
- 272 train cleaning processes reviewed, and many adapted
- Hand sanitising facilities at key stations across its network.