Train services are ramped up as UK enters new normal

TRAIN services were ramped up from Monday as more schools in Wales and England reopen and workers are encouraged to return to offices.

Industry body the Rail Delivery Group (RDG) said timetables would be increased to around 90% of pre-coronavirus pandemic levels.

This will mean additional and longer trains on many routes, particularly at peak times.

Anthony Smith, chief executive of passenger watchdog Transport Focus, said existing and returning passengers will welcome the capacity increase as “many will now have more choice and a better chance of maintaining social distancing”.

He went on: “The rail industry must focus on maintaining good performance so that passengers can travel with confidence. Disruption and any crowding from this will be especially unwelcome and has the potential to damage trust in the railway.

“The industry also needs to keep an eye on passengers numbers, and checking if gaps in services are causing problems.”

A survey of 2,000 public transport users by Transport Focus conducted last month suggested that 77% of train passengers were satisfied with the ability to keep a safe distance from others.

The research also indicated that 50% were satisfied with the ease of finding out how busy a train service would be before travelling, and 69% were satisfied with the number of people wearing face coverings.

It is mandatory to wear a face covering on public transport, apart for people with exemptions.

A recent study by the Rail Safety and Standards Board concluded that the risk of contracting Covid-19 on an average journey is below 0.01%.