Rail ticketing systems are often designed around standard office hours rather than the 24‑hour nature of health and care services. Many nursing and other health and care staff work night shifts and finish early in the morning, yet standard one-day rail tickets expire at 04:00, meaning staff are frequently required to purchase an additional ticket (National Rail, 2026).

Across the UK, many nursing staff travel long distances for work, and when public transport schedules do not align with shift patterns, those working night shifts regularly face extra travel costs. This adds to the wider financial burden associated with working in the nursing profession (London Economics, 2022). Limited public transport options outside peak hours also make it harder for staff to travel home safely and affordably (TUC, 2024).

Accessible and affordable public transport is essential for nursing staff wellbeing and retention and should be prioritised. Action is needed across the UK to introduce fairer rail ticketing arrangements that better support shift-based health care workers. Potential measures could include extended ticket validity for night-shift workers or national travel discounts for health and care staff.

References

London Economics (2022) A decade of pay erosion: The destructive effect on UK nursing staff earnings and retention. A report for the Royal College of Nursing. Available at: londoneconomics.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/LE-RCN-Pay-campaigning-comms-FINAL-report-SENT2CLIENT-27-10-2022.pdf (Accessed 26 March 2026).

National Rail (2026) Anytime Short Return Terms and Conditions. Available at: nationalrail.co.uk/ticket-types/tickets/shr/ (Accessed 26 March 2026).

TUC (2024) The Health and Safety Effects of Night Work: Report Summary. Available at: tuc.org.uk/sites/default/files/2024-10/nightworkresearchreportsummary.pdf (Accessed 26 March 2026).