Staff Travel Restrictions for Winter 2026-27

The staff travel restrictions for Winter 2026-27 valid from 13 December 2026 to 15 May 2027 are now available on the RST Staff Travel Restrictions page.

These restrictions cover services to avoid, acceptance of complimentary refreshments, seat reservations, lounge access and a trial of Standard Plus accommodation on London North Western Railway services operated by West Midlands Trains.

As a reminder, holders of the RST Online Leisure Card may not use any Caledonian Sleeper, Elizabeth Line, Grand Central, Hull Trains, or London Overground service. (The only exception is when travelling across London between Liverpool Street and Paddington on a ticket containing the cross-London marker.)

Apart from the restriction above for holders of the RST Online Leisure Card, there are no specific rail services which are barred to holders of Rail Staff Travel facilities, however there are some dates on which facilities cannot be used on Red Funnel Ferries. The Red Funnel Ferry dates have been included even they fall just after the timetable period covered.

As a reminder, Active staff and their dependants must give up their seats if asked, when fare‑paying passengers are standing. Retired staff and their dependants may be asked to give up their seats, but they are not required to do so

Please make sure all holders of staff travel facilities read and understand the restrictions that apply to their use.