Network Rail engages with football fans to enhance match day train journeys.

Network Rail’s crime and security team visited London Euston station at the weekend to connect with football fans and gather insights on improving their train journeys on match days. In collaboration with Rail Delivery Group (RDG) and British Transport Police (BTP), Network Rail aims to make these journeys better, safer, and smoother.

On Saturday, fans who travelled to the Brentford vs. Liverpool match at 3:00pm and the Aston Villa vs. Arsenal match at 5:30pm had the opportunity to participate in various activities, including a football quiz and a penalty shootout. The event wasn't just for football fans, the team invited station staff, train operating companies and commuters to share their travel experiences and suggestions.

On a typical matchday, over 500,000 football fans travel by rail to watch their favourite teams play. Gary Jones, Network Rail's regional route crime manager, said: "The football supporting community is a vital part of our customer base regularly using our railways.

“It’s essential that we listen to them and work together to make our railways as safe and welcoming as possible at Network Rail. Football and railways are both significant to our national heritage.

“As we approach the 200th anniversary of railways, it’s crucial that we hear from our customers to enhance our railways for the future. These events highlight our strong partnerships with the Rail Delivery Group, train operating companies and British Transport Police, demonstrating our ongoing commitment to improving the services we offer and ensuring safety of our railways.”

Jacqueline Starr, chief executive of Rail Delivery Group, said: “With over 500,000 football fans traveling by train on matchdays alone, we want their experiences to help shape a more sustainable and safer future for rail.

"That’s why initiatives like Football on Rail Engagement Day not only allows us to reach out to customers directly to get their feedback but also helps us advocate for a more sustainable way of travel.”