Train operator National Express East Coast is to launch a new reward programme aimed at encouraging more travellers to make greener travel choices.

The new scheme will offer a range of benefits including free first class travel vouchers, food and drink offers, and access to first class lounges at stations along the East Coast route.

One of the key aims of the scheme, which launches late this year, is to encourage more regular long-distance travellers to choose the train instead of the plane or car for their journeys.

Passengers spending a minimum of £1,800 on National Express East Coast train travel in three consecutive months can apply for the scheme by submitting their used train tickets. People who book online at www.nationalexpresseastcoast.com can apply with no tickets required as the system automatically logs purchases made. The scheme will also be open to first class season ticket holders.

A membership card will be issued to qualifying passengers, allowing access to the full range of benefits, which will include: unlimited first class lounge access for the member and a companion; first class travel vouchers, including two return journeys for two people and a further two return journeys for a single passenger; discounts on advance purchase tickets; seasonal special offers on food and drink; a free half-bottle of wine when dining in the restaurant; and special discounts arranged with selected partners.

National Express East Coast sales and marketing director Rachel Dawson said: “This exciting new scheme will reward those who put the environment first and choose the train for regular journeys.
“We are confident that many of our more frequent travellers will want to share in the many benefits of this scheme – and that it will encourage more people to travel by rail instead of flying or travelling by car”.