A can sandwich (Shutterstock)
(Picture: Shutterstock)The offer of a free bacon sandwich has been hung over commuters in an effort to entice people back to the office as struggling rail companies deal with lower passenger numbers due to Omicron. Industry body Rail Delivery Group is offering the incentives which also include free audiobooks, access to a mindfulness app, and coffees from cafe chain Pure.
The bacon sandwiches in question will be offered by Greggs but be warned, there are only 1,000 on offer. RDG chief executive Jacqueline Starr said: "Taking the train is more than just a journey, it benefits the environment, economy and local businesses.”
To get the deals, commuters will have to register at nationalrail.co.uk/commuter and enter details of their commute. They are not required to provide evidence of their journeys.
The move comes as office workers are returning to the workplace after Boris Johnson dropped formal advice to work from home last week.
However, passenger numbers are still currently around 50 per cent of pre-pandemic levels, according to provisional Department for Transport figures.
Pure boss Spencer Craig said: "Like most businesses that rely on the commuter market, we saw our customer base drop by over 50 per cent due to the work-from-home restrictions coming into force, and rail commuters no longer coming into the city.”
What do you think of the new incentives on offer? Would a free bacon sarnie be enough to convince you to brave the commute once more? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below for the chance to be featured on the ES website tomorrow.
Wednesday’s Talking Point: Do you think possession of cannabis should be decriminalised in London?
Thwobble said: “Yes. I’ve never known anyone to get violent with smoking or ingesting cannabis compared to the numerous times of witnessing drunkards lashing out…”
Londo1976 wrote: “I’m not pro or con about legalizing pot in the UK, my point is studies, and evaluations from places where marihuana is legal (even as a recreational drug) should be observed, and based on that make a final ruling.”
