ScotRail is enhancing its commitment to keeping the country moving through the coronavirus pandemic by trialling a new NHS Test & Protect Check In Scotland QR code system.
The train operator has been asked by the Scottish Government and Transport Scotland to test the process for eight weeks on board one of its Inter7City High Speed Trains (HSTs).
From 24 May, QR code labels will direct customers with smart devices to ‘check-in and out’ of the train.
The Check-In Scotland system captures some personal data from the passenger, including name, email address and contact telephone number.
The data will be used by NHS Test & Protect to get in touch with any close contact of a person who tests positive for COVID-19, which would include a customer who was known to be travelling on the trial train in close proximity to someone else who tests positive.
This mimics the system in place for other venues across Scotland, such as bars and restaurants.
Posters on the train and QR code labels installed at seats provide simple instructions to the customer on the process that they should follow, and on-board announcements will also be made by conductors.
The system is used with a smart device, such as a mobile phone or tablet. If passengers don’t have one, then they will not need to check in on-board the train. This is part of the trial and will help evaluate how many customers can’t use the digital system.
It’s not mandatory to check in, but the operator is encouraging every customer who can, to do so to help NHS Test & Protect to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
The data is held securely by NHS Test & Protect. No other party, including ScotRail, has access to it.
After the eight week trial has been completed, the Scottish Government and NHS Test & Protect will evaluate it and reach a decision on whether or not to roll it out to other ScotRail trains or stations.
Mark O’Mailley, ScotRail Customer Experience Strategy Manager, said:
“Since the first lockdown in March 2020, ScotRail has been helping to keep the country moving by providing key workers with transport so they can continue their life saving duties in hospitals, care homes and the like.
“We are delighted to have been asked by the Scottish Government and Transport Scotland to trial a new system which could have a major impact on preventing the spread of coronavirus.
“We are hugely supportive of these efforts and would encourage our customers to participate.”
