West Midlands Railway reducing timetable from Monday
A reduced timetable will be brought in for West Midlands Railway from next week due to the national lockdown.
The timetable, which comes into effect on Monday, reflects the reduced number of passengers currently using trains due to national travel restrictions as well as the increased number of railway staff unable to work due to shielding or self-isolating.
Government rules designed to prevent the spread of coronavirus mean people can only use public transport for limited reasons such as travelling to work which cannot be done from home, accessing education or attending medical appointments.
Jonny Wiseman, WMR customer experience director, said: “All through the pandemic our dedicated staff have continued working hard to provide a regular, safe and reliable train service which has kept the country moving.
“With the current travel restrictions significantly reducing passenger numbers, now is the right time to adjust our timetable so we continue to provide an appropriate level of service.
“Passengers should only use the train when necessary but our enhanced cleaning regimes mean those who do come on board can continue to travel with confidence.”
Timetable changes from Monday include: fewer trains will run on Birmingham Snow Hill lines on weekday afternoons, no trains will run between Leamington Spa and Nuneaton via Coventry, replacement buses will serve all stations on the route and a reduced number of services will run on the ‘Town Car’ branch line between Stourbridge Town and Stourbridge Junction.
The timetable is in place until further notice and will be kept under regular review. For full timetable information visit www.wmr.uk/timetable
With increased numbers of railway staff shielding or self-isolating, passengers are being advised to check their journeys before setting out to avoid any short-notice cancellations.
Passengers are also being reminded that it is mandatory to wear a face covering while travelling on the railway network, unless exempt for medical reasons.
Meanwhile, customers holding tickets for travel which were purchased prior to the national lockdown announcement on January 4 are being advised they may be entitled to a refund – see www.wmr.uk/coronavirus for details.
