The Government has announced a ‘gradual reduction’ in train services across the country from Monday in line with passenger demand but pledged to keep vital services running.
Although the Department for Transport (DfT) said it had agreed a plan with the UK rail industry, it provided no details of cutbacks other than stating that ‘operators will continue to run core services ensuring people remain able to get to work, can travel to access medical appointments and the flow of goods continues across the UK’.
It added that reducing services will also help protect the welfare of frontline railway staff essential for day-to-day operations.
Rail services will be reduced from Monday (23rd March) and kept under review, ‘with operators providing clear communications to ensure passengers who need to travel are well-informed of the changes,’ officials said.
They added that there will be a gradual move towards introducing reduced service levels on wide parts of the network over the longer term. To minimise disruption, services will be reduced progressively across the network over the coming days.
However, train operating companies have made announcements covering their services. On Friday morning Southeastern published a map of service frequencies from Monday (above) and said a timetable would be available in journey planners from Sunday.
Transport secretary Grant Shapps, said: ‘We are taking decisive action to protect the public which means reducing travel for the time being, whilst still ensuring keyworker heroes can get to their jobs to keep this nation running.
‘For passengers in crucial roles, including essential workers in our emergency services and NHS, alongside people who need to attend medical appointments or care for loved ones, these changes protect the services they rely on.’
Robert Nisbet, director of nations and regions at the Rail Delivery Group, which represents train operators and Network Rail, said: ‘This is not a decision we take lightly. However, implementing these measures now will mean that we can continue to operate trains over a prolonged period with fewer railway workers, who like so many others are to be commended for putting the needs of the country first, and whose safety remains front of mind.
‘We are monitoring demand closely and should it become necessary in the weeks ahead, we will adjust services and timetables to ensure they’re being delivered to best effect where they’re needed most, in accordance with our plan.
‘We would advise anybody who has to travel to check the time of their train on the National Rail Enquiries website before they set out.’
The DfT said the Government has been working with the operators, freight groups and trade unions to ensure there is a collective focus during this crucial time and to ensure all areas of the industry and its people have the support needed.
It added that similar measures have been agreed by the Scottish and Welsh governments while Transport for London has already announced a similar reduction in usual services.
The announcement made no reference to rail services in Northern Ireland. A statement on the website of Translink, which runs public transport in the country, said that (as of Friday morning) all scheduled bus and train services were running.
A spokesperson told Transport Network that its plans were being finalised.
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