Newcastle fans heading back from Wembley on Sunday will either be celebrating wildly or drowning their sorrows, but if they’re travelling home by train it will be without alcohol.
Trains leaving from King’s Cross after 7.30pm on Sunday will be alcohol-free, British Transport Police has confirmed. Alcohol will not be sold onboard or offered as part of complimentary catering in first class, and fans will not be allowed to bring their own booze on board either.
A spokesperson for the British Transport Police said: “British Transport Police has a duty of care for all passengers travelling across the rail network and to ensure that at times of higher footfall such as post match of the Carabao Cup Final, where many fans will be using trains to travel home from the match, additional resources and restrictions can be put in place. It is through consideration that these additional measures are implemented in agreement with the train operating companies.
“Dry trains are not new, but officers feel by implementing this tactic, it mitigates the risk of spontaneous anti-social behaviour as well as supporting LNER rail staff and non-football related fans to have a better travelling experience. Passengers will also see an increased high-visibility presence of officers at Kings Cross railway station, as well as on board return services.”
Newcastle United have been allocated around 32,000 tickets for the final, though many more Geordies are expected to make the journey down to London. Most rail passengers will be using LNER services, who announced additional two additional services returning from the capital on Sunday night at 21.30 and 22.00 – though some may travel to Carlisle and use the west coast mainline to head south.
It is understood that LNER has implemented dry trains for Sunday night, but at the time of writing, Avanti West Coast, whose trains leave from London Euston, has not.
Supporters travelling for the clash on Sunday, March 16 are already facing major disruption to train services due to the £140m refurbishment of Darlington Station. As well as additional services announced in February, four more services will operate from York to London King’s Cross on Saturday, March 15 – at 11.18, 13.08, 15.06 and 17.20.
Warrick Dent, safety and operations director for LNER, said: “A lot of hard work has gone on behind the scenes at LNER to prepare for this weekend to allow us to safely transport thousands of Newcastle United fans to and from London for this exciting fixture.
“As trains are expected to be very busy, these travel tips will help all our customers to enjoy a comfortable journey. Everyone at LNER sends their best wishes to the Toon Army and we hope that they all have a great journey with us.”
LNER’s key travel tips for Newcastle fans travelling to and from Carabao Cup final
- Check before you travel
- Arrive in plenty of time
- Travel on your booked service
- Be aware of those around you
- Be kind
For the latest travel information, visit the LNER website.
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