Silver Cobra
Member
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-51751582
It's great to see the rail industry doing what they can to help those suffering from domestic abuse. It'll be interesting to see how many more operators join this scheme. As GWR are already part of this, I imagine that other First Group operators will join as well.
Women fleeing an abusive relationship are to be given free train travel under a new scheme.
Victims across the south of England, West Midlands and south Wales are the first to benefit from the "Rail to Refuge" initiative, after Southeastern and Great Western Railway signed up.
Domestic abuse victim Amanda, whose name has been changed, said it was a "lifeline" for women in need.
"It's empowering, and I hope other rail operators get on board," she said.
The scheme was the brainchild of Southeastern station manager Darren O'Brien, who said even though "it is a only a small thing", it could "make an enormous difference" to women in dire circumstances.
Abuse victims can contact the charity Women's Aid, or a domestic abuse helpline or local outreach service, and if necessary a refuge space will be found and the train ticket obtained on the woman's behalf.
It's great to see the rail industry doing what they can to help those suffering from domestic abuse. It'll be interesting to see how many more operators join this scheme. As GWR are already part of this, I imagine that other First Group operators will join as well.