Members of the armed forces working to keep London 2012 secure will be able to travel to and from Games venues by train free of charge. The offer, available to service men and women on duty at venues in and around London, will run throughout the Olympics and Paralympics. It includes:

  Free standard class train travel within London (travel zones 1-9) for service personnel carrying valid military ID
  Free standard class train travel to and from London and Games venues outside the city (Hadleigh Farm, Cheshunt, Brands Hatch and Eton Dorney) for service personnel in uniform and with a valid military ID

Michael Roberts, the Association of Train Operating Companies chief executive, said: “The armed services are playing a vital role in ensuring that security at Games events is effective and runs smoothly.

“Train companies want to support this extraordinary effort by offering free travel to those men and women of the armed services who are involved and recognise their part in delivering an Olympics and Paralympics that our country can be proud of.”

The offer is in addition to the free train travel already offered to Home Office police officers seconded to British Transport Police for the duration of the Olympics.

Secretary of State for Transport Justine Greening said: “The servicemen and servicewomen involved in the Olympics are doing a fantastic job at keeping everyone safe and a brilliant job, thanks in no small part to their great sense of humour, in helping to create the sort of carnival atmosphere that we all want for the Games.

“The decision by train operators to give them free travel when travelling to and from Games venues is a great way of recognising their contribution to the success of the Games.”

Secretary of State for Defence, Philip Hammond, said: “Our soldiers, sailors and airmen and women are working hard in supporting the Olympics security effort and this additional recognition and support to them is appreciated and well received.”