Free train travel up for grabs as rail operator seeks out new fans on TikTok

Responding to the growing trend of people discovering new destinations on TikTok, Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR), is launching two of its brands – Southern and Thameslink – onto the social media platform.

To celebrate the launch of the new accounts, GTR is offering TikTok users the chance to join in on an interactive race across its rail network, in a contest dubbed ‘Destination Dash’, for the opportunity to win a bundle of prizes.

Going live on Monday 19 February and running for four consecutive days, participants will be asked to back either ‘Team Southern’ or ‘Team Thameslink’ as employees from each company embark on challenges from Luton and St Albans, all the way down to Littlehampton and Brighton.

To make things even more competitive, the rail operator has recruited TikTok influencers to join the mission. JG & Phee, whose account has over 160,000 followers, will join Team Southern and Vaguely Mundane, well-known for his transport content, will form part of Team Thameslink for the challenge.

The rival teams will take on various challenges across the GTR network, including baking, water sports, drawing and even a penalty shootout against Luton FC’s Academy players. Watch along by following the Southern Rail and Thameslink TikTok accounts.

With 93% of UK TikTok users planning to travel domestically this year, Destination Dash will showcase the wide variety of locations and activities people can explore along GTR’s 800-mile network*.

Mark Pavlides, Interim Chief Customer Officer, said: “Leisure travel continues to be the driving force of rail travel and thanks to this demand, more people are enjoying getting out and discovering new destinations in the UK. Rail travel is a fantastic way to explore the country, and with customers using different platforms and channels to engage with us, launching our brands on TikTok will help us to reach new audiences and entice people to discover Britain by train. To be in with the chance of winning this fantastic prize, it couldn’t be easier to back a team. Don’t miss out!”

One lucky winner will win the following (with free train travel included):

• A trip to the Clock Tower for 2 at St Albans Cathedral
• Tickets for 2 to watch Luton Town FC play at Kenilworth Road
• Tickets for 2 to a paid exhibition at the Tate Modern
• A £50 gift voucher for The Beach restaurant in Littlehampton
• A 25-minute flight on the Brighton i360 for 2

To be in the running to win all six prizes, TikTok users must support one of the teams by commenting either #TeamThameslink or #TeamSouthern. Posts will be pinned at the top of each brand’s TikTok accounts, with the winner set to be announced on @tlrailuk and @southernrailuk’s TikTok accounts on 23 February.

*https://www.tiktok.com/business/en-GB/blog/travel-on-tiktok

ENDS

Notes to editors

• The TikTok competition will run from 19 February to 22 February. Entries after this date won’t be accepted
• The prizes must be redeemed by 30 June, except for The Beach restaurant prize which is valid for a year