We’ve compiled the latest information and measures Car Hire and Rail companies are taking to prevent and minimise the risk of the Coronavirus spreading during this difficult time.
“We are closely monitoring the information shared by the World Health Organization concerning advice on how to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.
To help protect our staff and customers we are encouraging regular hand washing, and the use of hand sanitizer, where available. We’ve also enhanced the already robust cleaning techniques of our vehicles after each rental. In particular, we are paying special attention to the places people touch such as steering wheels, door handles and other hard surfaces.
We advise all our customers to keep updated on the latest developments from the World Health Organisation and the UK’s Foreign & Commonwealth Office.”
More information can be found on Avis’ dedicated COVID-19 advice page.
“As the impact of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to evolve, please know we remain committed to providing you with the exceptional experience and service you expect from Hertz. The safety and wellbeing of our customers and employees is always our top priority
We are closely monitoring the spread of COVID-19 and following the advice of government and health authorities to make sure we are taking the right actions to protect our customers, employees and the communities where we operate.
It is our mission to maintain the high standards for safety and cleanliness that customers expect of our brands. In addition to practicing preventative measures to reduce the spread of germs within our facilities, all our vehicles go through a rigorous, multi-step cleaning process for each rental. We remain vigilant in upholding these practices and will take additional precautions as recommended by the Centres for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), World Health Organization (WHO) and local governments to minimise the risk to our customers and employees.”
More information can be found on Hertz’s dedicated Latest Travel Advice page.
“At a moment when the world is entering uncertain times, with national authorities taking extraordinary measures to contain the Covid-19 pandemic, disrupting the daily lives of our societies, we see ourselves as a provider of an essential service: contributing to the safe mobility of people and goods such as food or medicine.
Over the last two days, we have experienced an unexpected level of demand for vans, but also for cars, appearing as an alternative to public transportation and as a way to provide companies in various sectors with the means for their delivery services.
As the European rental leader, confronted with the decision to keep our stations open – or to close them, we consider that general interest must prevail. Please find here the list of stations that are remaining open and at your service, mainly in airports, railway stations, downtown, as well as in the suburbs (Vans & Trucks supersites).
In addition to the reinforced vehicle cleaning measures we have already implemented, with the systematic use of disinfectant agents, we are also currently deploying extra measures in these key stations: systematic desk disinfection between each customer and “zero contact” policy (vehicle key sealed in an envelope once disinfected).
Our Group, as a mobility service operator, has a 70-year tradition of service to the public and to local and international companies. Throughout this period, we will do everything in our power to continue this mission, with safety and flexibility.”
More information can be found on Europcar’s dedicated Latest Travel Advice page.
“The safety of our customers and our colleagues always comes first. We are monitoring the latest health developments and continue to review our measures, and we have enhanced our cleaning on our trains and in our stations. Here are some of the measures we’re taking to keep you safe:
- Specialist teams are using superior, sustainable disinfectant products and high-grade equipment and are working around the clock
- We have increased the frequency of our cleaning across our route, and introduced a two-stage disinfectant process, in addition to wiping down all our customer touch points
- We have also introduced a system called ‘fogging’, which sprays disinfectants directly onto our hard surfaces, killing the viruses and bacteria
- Dedicated hosts are ensuring our stations’ toilets are cleaned to the highest standards
- On our trains, all surfaces and toilets are constantly cleaned during every journey
- Our onboard ventilation systems are ensuring a continuing supply of fresh air
- Complimentary hand sanitizers and disinfectant wipes are available on board
- Additional deep cleaning is taking place when trains are at a stand before their next service
Your safety will always be our priority. “
More information can be found on LNER’s dedicated Latest Travel Advice page.
“Our main priority is the health and wellbeing of our customers and colleagues. We’re closely following advice from governments and health authorities in our destination countries, regarding Coronavirus (COVID-19). We are listening closely to the feedback of our customers and colleagues and we realise this is an unsettling time and an unprecedented situation that develops fast.”
More information can be found on Eurostar’s dedicated COVID-19 advice page.
“National Rail companies are asking passengers to continue to follow the latest advice from government and public health officials.
The government has asked people to avoid public transport if at all possible, to help customers maintain distance with limited capacity, and keep the railway for those who need it most. If you need to travel by National Rail please try to travel Off-Peak, keep a 2-metre distance from others, use a face covering, and carry hand sanitiser or wash your hands.
In turn, train companies will do everything possible to keep passengers safe, including;
- more frequent and thorough cleaning than normal on trains and at stations
- giving clear safety guidance on journeys, and
- make extra train carriages available whenever possible
If your journey is necessary and you need to travel by National Rail, please remember that stations may be busy and leave plenty of time for your journey.
You should also follow public health advice; if you need to cough or sneeze please “Catch it, Bin it, Kill it” and if you or the people you live with have symptoms of COVID-19 (Coronavirus), you should stay at home and do not travel. “
More information can be found on National Rail’s dedicated Latest Travel Advice page.
“East Midlands Railway is now operating roughly 80% of our ‘usual’ services, but due to social distancing measures, capacity is significantly reduced. Please note, typically we are currently operating between 10-20% of our usual passenger capacity.
To assist with this, we now have our Seat Finder Tool, that is accessible through our website, that provides an indication of capacity on our services ahead of your planned journey.
https://www.eastmidlandsrailway.co.uk/travel-information/seat-finder
Additionally, to help customers maintain social distancing on board we have removed the ability for them to reserve specific seats on our trains. From Monday 15th June, customers will still be able to book specific services and will still have access to discounted Advance Purchase tickets, however they will no longer be assigned an exact seat with their ticket. This will ensure that customers aren’t encouraged to sit close together and can instead follow guidance to spread out as much as possible across the whole of the train.
We plan to share further measures shortly, as we explore every effort to reassure our passengers as they return to our railway.
“Avoid public transport if possible. If you can, use existing or new walking and cycling routes. If you must use public transport, avoid the busiest times between 05:45-08:15 and 16:00-17:30, and these stations and lines: Central line between South Woodford/Redbridge and Stratford, Jubilee line between Stratford and Westminster, District line between Dagenham Heathway and Aldgate East, Victoria line, London Overground between Stratford and Willesden Junction, DLR between Woolwich Arsenal and Canning Town.
If you must use public transport, check the busiest stations and times to travel.
Travelling safely:
- Wear a face covering
- Keep 2 metres apart from others where possible
- Wash your hands before and after your journey
- Carry a hand sanitiser or use sanitiser points at stations
- Use contactless or Oyster to pay for your travel
- Follow government advice for safer travel and check the safer travel information sheet”
More Information can be found on TFL’s dedicated Latest Travel Advice page.
Watch out for our Hotel COVID-19 Update later this week, to discover what measure the leading hoteliers are implementing for the benefit of business travellers.