Rail services are set to increase later this month as part of the gradual easing of the lockdown.
It is understood the current plan is to have a Saturday timetable running from as early as May 18th.
A Department for Transport spokesperson said: “We are examining a range of options on how transport can respond to support the recovery in a timely way when the time comes and it is safe to do so.
“We continue to prepare for any scenario we might be asked to support.”
Great Western Railway have been operating an amended timetable since lockdown was announced on March 23rd and have introduced other measures to their service which include:
- encouraging customers to pay by contactless or card instead of cash
- no refreshments are being served on board any of our train services
A spokesperson for GWR say ‘We continue to work closely with Government and public health agencies in response to the current Coronavirus situation and are continuing to run train services. Please follow Government advice and only travel if your journey is essential.’
Unite the union, which represents over 7,800 members in the rail sector throughout the UK, is cautioning ahead of the prime minister’s anticipated announcement that the lockdown will be partially lifted, that an increase in rail services must be gradually implemented.
Unite national officer for rail Harish Patel said: “Members fully understand that rail services will need to increase but that must not create a risk to their health or the health of their families.
“It is essential that employers work step by step with Unite to increase capacity, to restore passenger confidence and keep the travelling public and the workforce safe.
“This must be based on full risk assessments being undertaken and their findings then being properly applied.
“If employers do not follow a safety first approach and workers believe their health is in imminent danger, Unite will fully support them in their decision to stop work including when this means members removing themselves to a place where the threat to their safety no longer exists.”
