Try-The-Train Trips
The Abbey Line is ideal for those new to train travel or lacking in confidence as it is generally quiet out of rush hour and shuttles between Watford Junction and St Albans Abbey station. No risk of ending up in London or Milton Keynes if you miss your stop!
There is always a friendly conductor on board too, to help you out if needed.
Schools and registered youth groups within walking distance of an Abbey Line Station can apply for a free trip.
Community groups in St Albans and Watford serving disadvantaged communities can also apply.
School and Youth Groups
We aim to support at least one primary school or registered youth group with a free ‘Try-The-Train’ trip every term. Only groups within walking distance (~30 minutes) of an Abbey Line station are eligible.
Groups can apply by filling in the below form. At least one group per term will be selected at random and notified. Selected groups cannot reapply until the following academic year.
Groups must be accompanied by the appropriate number of staff/support and must provide their own risk assessment.
School Groups
Please apply for only one year group of children per school.
Once selected, school groups must agree the date of travel with us, book and pay for their own travel and then will be reimbursed as long as:
- The group lead provides feedback
- The children are asked to provide feedback
- Photos (no faces) and/or project work about the trip are supplied to us
- You agree that we may accompany you
Youth Groups
Due to limits on numbers we can safely support, please apply for only one youth group within your organisation (e.g. Cubs from a Scout unit, not Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and Explorers).
Once selected, youth groups must agree the date of travel with us (weekdays only). We will book and pay for travel. The group must agree that:
- The group lead provides feedback
- The children/young people are asked to provide feedback
- Photos (no faces) and/or project work about the trip are supplied to us
- You agree that we may accompany you
Community Groups
We aim to support at least one local community group with a free ‘Try-The-Train’ trip every term.
Community groups are eligible if:
- Their members face barriers to train travel – e.g. due to disability, language, low income or other protected characteristics
- The group operates in St Albans District and/or Watford Borough
- The group is a maximum of 50 persons (including an appropriate number of support workers)
Groups can apply by filling in the below form. At least one group per term will be selected at random and notified. Selected groups cannot reapply until the following academic year.
Once selected, groups must agree the date of travel with us. We will book and pay for travel. The group must agree that:
- The group lead provides feedback
- The community group members are asked to provide feedback
- Photos (photo permissions needed) and/or project work about the trip are supplied to us
- You agree that we may accompany you
Groups must be accompanied by the appropriate number of staff/support and must provide their own risk assessment.
