Parcel locker provider InPost is putting collection and returns parcel lockers in place at 40 train stations.
The deal with South Western Railway, which handles routes between London and south-eastern England, will allow customers to collect and drop off parcels in a contact-free way.
Initially the lockers will be deployed at 14 stations within the Greater London region, with other major commuter hubs to follow later.
To use the lockers, shoppers receive a code which they then scan at the locker to open it and either retrieve or deposit a parcel. The lockers can also be used to return online orders.
Jerome Pacatte, head of stations at South Western Railway said: “Our stations sit at the heart of the communities we serve, and we want them to offer more than simply a place for customers to travel to and from.
“[The lockers] will provide our customers with a convenient and efficient way to send and receive parcels, including during the very testing times that we are currently living through.”
Jason Tavaria, CEO of InPost, said: “While the pandemic has had an understandable impact on rail services, the stations are in central locations meaning they are often the main hub for communities and towns.
“Partnering with a major operator in SWR will allow consumers to access our lockers easily and conveniently to satisfy all their postal needs, particularly during these challenging times.
“InPost lockers provide consumers with a safe, contact-free solution to send and receive essential products while maintaining safe social-distancing.”
InPost recently partnered with discount supermarket Lidl to install the lockers at 24 of its stores.
The goal is to allow customers to combine errands in order to reduce unnecessary travel during the pandemic, while offering a contact-free fulfilment method for online orders.
