Get people back onto the trains.
that is what they are trying to do! They need to build confidence in the public that the train is safe.
Personally, Northern aside, I have had no bad experiences with train travel since lockdown ended. Yes, some travel is slightly more difficult but so is everything in life. I never expected to have to log in at the door of a pub if i fancied a pint!
If some sensible seat discipline, enhanced cleaning, usable toilets for washing hands and mask wearing is in place I think we are good to go.
Why should you have to book a specific train? Why is every ticket not a cheaper advanced ticket if you cannot pick and chose your train as you can with a 'anytime return' What if you don't have a smart phone for a app? It's all okay having these rules whilst someone else is picking up the tab
We are talking about an unprecedented situation that requires a response different than normal. We all have to make changes to our lives to try and both accommodate that situation and protect ourselves and others from the potential impacts. As I said the rules as they exist on LNER are hardly taxing: Book ticket. Get seat. Wear mask. Board. Relax.
You can book if tickets are available, via your phone or in person at the station, 5 minutes before travel. That is slightly different to turn up and go but not by much.
The question is how do you overcome the reluctance of people to travel by train? You do that firstly by convincing them you have in place rules and procedures that protect them, as far as possible, during these difficult times. That wont, imo, happen by simply having a free for of of the sort you and others want.
And you can socially distance on trains. We have been for months. Yes, that cant carry on indefinitely which is why new ideas, tools or techniques need to be tried to get people back on the train by convincing them it is safe to do so. Once you have done that you can look to dial down the rules and return, as far as possible, to ordinary.