Coronavirus travel update – reduced timetable to remain in place

The train operator introduced an amended timetable in late December to respond to higher than usual levels of staff absent or self-isolating due to COVID, and lower demand from changes to the tier system. 

From Monday 11 January this temporary timetable will continue with some further alterations, providing approximately 80% of the usual, planned timetable. This will enable those who do need to travel to do so safely and with confidence and give customers some surety about services so they can plan ahead. 

GWR Managing Director Mark Hopwood said: 

“We have taken some sensible measures to make sure that we are able to run a service that can be relied upon at this time, and that means reducing our timetable a little to shore up the large number of services we continue to operate. 

“This is vital to helping key workers to get to work so they can continue to provide services critical to the day-to-day running of the country.” 

The changes prioritise key routes essential for those people continuing to deliver vital services as the UK continues to respond to the pandemic. 

GWR will continue to monitor demand in line with the latest travel advice issued by government, ensuring capacity where it is needed and the ability to respond quickly when lockdown is eased. 

These who have already purchased tickets, but who are now not able to travel because of the latest changes in government travel advice are able to claim a refund. 

Full details of the timetable will appear on industry websites shortly. Please check your journey at https://www.gwr.com/travel-updates/check-your-journey.  

Services between London Paddington and Bristol Temple Meads, and between London Paddington and South Wales will run hourly. Services between London Paddington and Plymouth will continue to operate every hour, and customers able to connect for services to/from Cornwall. 

Services on regional branch lines will operate to a revised timetable.  

GWR has been providing rail services throughout the pandemic and has worked to ensure that these are as safe as possible. This includes increased cleaning regimes and the use of a virucidal spray; extra staff at key stations to offer help and guidance; and processes in place to help customers maintain a safe distance where possible, such as restricting the number of reservations available.