Longer trains and some additional train services are to be provided from Monday to help people returning to rail travel as part of the government’s lockdown easing roadmap to do so safely and with confidence.
While current government advice remains to keep travel to a minimum, the train operator is increasing services in a phased approach prior to further timetable improvements on May 17 when restrictions are planned to be eased.
By increasing the level of service in stages GWR is working to ensure it provides customers with the services they need so that they can return to rail and travel with confidence when the time is right. From Monday, services will return to about 70% of pre-Covid levels, rising to around 90% in mid-May.
GWR Managing Director Mark Hopwood said:
“As the gradual lifting of Covid-19 restrictions continues, we will be strengthening our busiest services and more of our long-distance services will run with 9 or 10 carriages.
“We are also planning further additional services in our summer timetable, which starts on Sunday 16 May, which will bring us back to around 90% of our usual timetable. You should now be able to see these in online journey planners so customers can plan future journeys and book ahead.”
With the government’s present advice restricting travel, GWR is operating a reduced timetable. Customers should follow government guidelines, people should continue to work from home where they can and minimise the number of journeys they make where possible, avoiding travel at the busiest times. Find out more at gwr.com/safety.
As more people return to rail after the easement of lockdown restrictions, GWR has also been working hard to welcome people back on to its services.
This includes:
- A 24% increase in cleaning hours every week since March 2020
- Sanitising (fogging) of 1,120 vehicles every 4 weeks
- Carrying out 2,150 on board surface tests (ATP) every four weeks, to ensure the effectiveness of our cleaning
- 272 train cleaning processes reviewed, and many adapted
- Hand sanitising facilities at key stations across its network.
The train operator has also provided extra staff at key stations to offer help and guidance; and processes are in place to help customers maintain a safe distance where possible.
GWR is encouraging customers to continue to travel safely. People are reminded to:
- Wear a face covering
- Travel at quieter times where possible
- Wash your hands more regularly
- Buy tickets online, on a smart card or by using the GWR app
Photo credit: GWR
