Teacher's Pet... Northern reminds teachers to claim 25% discount on its services across the Region

NORTHERN says teachers across the North of England should remember to claim a special 25% discount on Advance Purchase tickets on its services.

The train operator issued the reminder ahead of UK Teachers' Day, Saturday, 5 October 2024.

The saving, which is available via Discounts for Teachers, is delivered in partnership with Network; a company that specialises in employee discounts and benefits.

The discount is available on all of the train operator's 2,500 services a day.

Stuart Taylor, head of commercial development at Northern, said:- "We were very proud to launch this special discount last year; and we want to encourage as many teachers as possible to benefit. The discount is valid on each and every 1 of our services; and 25% is a discount that makes a difference."

Northern launched its partnership with Network in March 2023.

As part of the scheme, the train operator also offers a 25% discount on Advance Purchase tickets to carers, NHS workers and employees of registered charities.

Northern is also encouraging teachers to sign their Schools up for the Employee Season Ticket Scheme, which offers the equivalent of 12 weeks free travel to work.

Teachers and other School staff can pay for their ticket in monthly, interest-free instalments taken direct from their paycheque and they can be used 365 days a year, meaning extra savings if they travel on the same route outside of their commute.

Teachers can register their School for the scheme at:- NorthernRailway.Co.UK.

Northern to introduce British Sign Language announcements on all of its trains

NORTHERN is planning to introduce British Sign Language (BSL) announcements on all of its services, following a successful trial.

The announcements were 1st trialled on trains travelling between York, Leeds and Manchester in 2023, to provide important information to customers with hearing impairments.

The technology, developed by software experts from InfoTec and Signapse, ensures that a sign language interpreter appears on the on board screens to tell customers which Station they are approaching.

After receiving positive feedback from customers during the trial, Northern is planning to introduce them on all of its services in 2025.

The interpreters will be filmed signing each Station, before AI editing software uses the clips to create the video announcements for customers.

Northern is now exploring long term plans to introduce BSL announcements which provide customers with information about cancellations, delays and other incidents.

Matt Rice, chief operating officer, said:- "It's fantastic to see these sign language announcements have been well received by our customers during the recent trial and we can now press ahead with rolling them out on all of our services. We're constantly working make our services more accessible and give people with specific needs the confidence to travel by train."

Census data in 2021 showed that in addition to spoken languages, BSL was the main language of 22,000 people across the UK.