Train companies will continue to provide free train travel for those needing to flee domestic abuse. Rail to Refuge is a joint initiative between rail companies and Women’s Aid Federation of England, in which train operators cover the cost of train tickets for adults and children escaping domestic abuse and travelling to refuge accommodation. The scheme was first introduced by Southeastern in 2019 and then GWR in March 2020. At the start of the pandemic last year, all train operators joined the scheme to provide this crucial support at a time when domestic abuse was increasing and people experiencing it were finding it harder to leave. Since then, together operators have provided free tickets to over 1,348 people, including 362 children over five.
Download the document below to find more information.