South West Trains criticised for free travel tweet

South West Trains has been criticised for posting a tweet stating travel will not be free for runners competing in the London marathon.

Participants, race officials and first aid volunteers are entitled to free travel on the majority of transport services until 6.30pm on race day.

Participants criticised South West Trains for posting a 'petty' tweet Credit: PA

Just after 8.30am on Sunday morning, the train company wrote: 'If you’re running the Marathon today, please note that travel is not free on our services and you will need to purchase a ticket as normal.’ The tweet was deleted 30 minutes after it was posted.

Though rail companies do not have to offer free journeys, some have such as Southeastern rail.