Northern train travel to offer free travel for Remembrance Day

Train companies will support the Armed Forces community by providing free travel across the country for those attending the annual remembrance services.

This includes the Submariners’ Remembrance Service in London on November 3, the National Service of Remembrance at the Cenotaph on November 10, and other services nationwide on the same day.

This initiative is also extended to Poppy Appeal collectors, who will be able to travel for free to The Royal British Legion’s London Poppy Day on October 31.

Serving personnel in uniform or with a current MOD90 Ministry of Defence-issued identity card will be eligible for free travel.

Veterans will need to show a Veterans Railcard, Veterans Oyster card, MOD-issued Veterans ID, or other appropriate proof of service.

Jacqueline Starr, chief executive of the Rail Delivery Group, said: "The railway has always been closely connected to remembrance commemorations, with so many rail workers having given their lives during the two World Wars.

"As an industry, we are proud to continue helping people to mark this important national occasion by once again offering free travel to our serving personnel and veterans across the country."

Maurillia Simpson, veteran of the Royal Logistic Corps (Image: Matt Alexander)

Transport Secretary Louise Haigh said: "It's only right that the rail industry, which played its own part in our nation’s war effort, marks Remembrance Day by paying tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice, and those who continue to protect our country.

"Remembrance services are a vital time for our nation to come together, and this important initiative will make it easier for veterans and serving personnel to do exactly that."

Lucy Inskip, director of the Poppy Appeal at the Royal British Legion, said: "The Royal British Legion is immensely grateful that British train companies continue to recognise the significance of Remembrance and offer free transport for veterans and service personnel to attend the commemorations that mean so much to them.

"It is also a huge benefit that our dedicated volunteers can travel for free on London Poppy Day, allowing our Armed Forces community to support, collect and commemorate without worrying about additional personal cost."

For those attending either event in London, travel is permitted to any London Terminal station on the day before or the day of each service, and returning on the day of the service.

For those attending events elsewhere, return travel is permitted on the day of the service.

Train companies are also supporting Royal British Legion fundraisers by extending the free return travel offer to volunteers raising money in London on October 31.