National recognition at 'railway industry's Oscars' for York-based operator

York-based train operator LNER has earned a prestigious award at the 'railway industry's Oscars'.

The firm won the Customer Service Excellence Award at the National Rail Awards in London for its 'Package for a Friend' scheme, which offers free period care products to passengers.

The scheme, launched in 2024, allows travellers to order products directly to their seat or discreetly request them at the Café Bar.

Professor Dame Lesley Regan, Women's Health Ambassador for England, said: "I wanted to offer my warmest congratulations to the team at LNER who will receive the customer excellence award for their groundbreaking initiative to make period products available to passengers on their trains.

The Package For A Friend at seat service(Image: London North Eastern Railway)

"The 'Package for a Friend' scheme was first introduced by LNER staff in Kings Cross who recognised that everyone should have access to period products whenever they needed them."

Tracey Barber, senior EDI business partner for LNER, said: "Every week we help dozens of our customers access emergency period products.

"Previously, they would have had no choice but to suffer an uncomfortable journey.

"I'm delighted that 'Package For a Friend' has been recognised by the National Rail Awards and I'm so proud to see it now rolling out across other train operators."