East Coast train operator LNER has introduced mandatory seat reservations on all train services.

The measure, to help social distancing on trains, will mean passengers with flexible tickets will have to pick a service to travel on, in advance.

The company operates services between London and Leeds, and Edinburgh, York, Newcastle and London,

Separately, Avanti West Coast is urging customers to reserve tickets, but has not made it compulsory.

However, it says passengers may not be allowed to get on a train if they do not have a reservation.

Avanti, which runs services linking London, Glasgow, Manchester and Birmingham, is also encouraging people to wear face coverings when they travel.

Chiltern Railways is also advising its passengers to book tickets in advance where possible and to wear masks.

LNER confirmed its shift to mandatory reservations in a tweet.

This contained "tips" for passengers, travelling on its trains, including:

• Wear a facemask if you cannot keep your distance
• Ignore the seat number on your ticket and choose your own seat
• Keep 2 metres apart where possible
• One person to a row unless travelling as a household
• In standard class leave two empty rows and one in first class
• Avoid facing other passengers

The company concluded by asking: "Can you travel another way? Help us keep the trains clear for those who really need them."

LNER said passengers would have to make a seat reservation if they have a flexible ticket that does not have a reservation, or if they are a season ticket holder.

Customers will not be charged for making a reservation.

Existing seat reservations are still valid, but will no longer be linked to a specific seat number. LNER said it was asking passengers to choose their own seat on board the train.

A spokesperson said: "The safety of our staff and customers is always our top priority. To support social distancing for customers who do need to travel with us at this time, all LNER services will be reservation only from Monday 18 May 2020.

"We will have full details updated on our website over the weekend. LNER services continue to operate for those who have no alternative travel options."

source: BBC News