Southeastern is reducing its timetable from Monday.

It's hoped the move will help to delay the spread of the coronavirus but still help key workers get to their place of work.

All stations will remain open but passengers may need to change trains to complete their usual journeys.

The amended timetable will be in online journey planners by Sunday, March 22 and a map of the planned services and frequency can be found here.

It is not yet known when the timetable will return to normal.

David Statham, managing director at Southeastern, said: “Like many of us, Southeastern train crew and station teams can’t work from home, and some of them are also dealing with personal or family issues related to coronavirus.

"We’re grateful to our passengers for their understanding as we take steps to ensure that vital train services for key workers can keep running. Please follow the official advice and only travel if your journey is absolutely essential”.

Robert Nisbet, director of nations and regions at the Rail Delivery Group, which represents train operators and Network Rail, said: “At a time of extraordinary national challenge, the measures rail companies are putting in place with government will preserve services so that we can continue to get key workers to where they need to be, deliver food to supermarkets and get fuel to power stations.

“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.”

Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) has announced today it will also be changing to a reduced timetable.

The service, which operates in the Southern and Thameslink in Kent will make gradual changes from Monday, March 23, for seven days and expects to make more the following Monday, March 30.

GTR's chief operation officer, Steve White, said: “This is an unprecedented situation for everyone and we – together with the rest of the rail industry – are doing our utmost to keep an essential service running for key workers who are doing such vital jobs.

“The message from the Government is clear – travel only if you have to. The changes we are making should allow us to sustain a timetable for those who absolutely have to travel such as doctors, nurses and the emergency services. We want to thank them and our own staff, who are working so hard to keep trains running.”

Passengers are advised to check the National Rail Enquiries website before travelling.

For the latest coronavirus news and advice, click here.

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