Thameslink commuters got an early Crizzie present this morning, with Govia Thameslink handing out free Christmas Party “Survival Kits” ahead of the busiest party period of the year.
Elf and safety: Govia Thameslink staff were out and about handing out ‘survival kits’ this morning
Despite half of Brits now working remotely, with tens of thousands planning to travel into central London by train to their work Christmas party, “with the possibility that many office workers will be heading home worse for wear”, Govia said, trying hard not to be too much of a sour-puss party-pooper.
According to the train operators, 1-in-10 of us admit to missing the last train after a Christmas party. “The ‘survival kits’ are designed to perk travellers up for their journey home, as well as helping weary heads the next day,” Govia said.
Each of their kits – distributed to commuters arriving at Victoria, Blackfriars and Brighton stations this morning – includes the top five items deemed to be “hangover saviours”.
- Food (41%)
- Coffee (32%)
- Electrolytes (25%)
- A detox shot (7%)
- Breath mints (7%)
GTR says: “As well as offering a helping hand this festive season, the giveaway aims to raise awareness about the increase in accidents that take place at railway stations at this time of year. GTR data shows there were more than 150 incidents relating to slips and falls at stations last winter, and there was also a rise in reports citing intoxication as a contributing factor.”
Samantha Facey, described in a press release from the train operators as Govia’s “Elf, Safety and Security Director” (geddit?!), said: “With this week being the most popular time for office Christmas parties, we’re likely to see extra travellers, which is why we’re offering a helping hand with our ‘survival kits’.
“We of course want our customers to go out and have fun, but with a year-on-year increase in slips, trips and falls on our network during winter, coupled with higher levels of intoxication, we want people to be careful when travelling and not to do anything that puts themselves, or anyone else, in danger.”
Gova advises all passengers to follow the same commonsense safety precautions that they follow for the rest of the year: don’t go beyond the yellow safety line on platforms and don’t go too close to trains that are pulling in and out of the station, avoid running on platforms, and carry a bottle of water with you.
“If you’re concerned about anything, please contact a member of staff or the British Transport Police,” Govia say.
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