Key trains for NHS run in just 24 hours

Govia Thameslink Railway has responded to calls from key workers and their employers to add services. Around 20 changes to passenger services have been made, with a further 12 expected in the week commencing April 20.

The improvements are mainly concentrated on Southern metro services in South London, on East Sussex coastal routes, and on the Arun Valley between Three Bridges and Bognor Regis.

Additional trains on the latter run are mainly to serve the staff of NHS supplier Hydrochem, which manufactures a substantial proportion of the UK’s hospital disinfectants.

Another service is a direct morning train from Sutton to London Bridge for workers at Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospital, who wrote to GTR asking if it could help them avoid having to change trains at busy junctions, to protect them from unnecessary risk of infection.

GTR provided the new service the very next day, and is now looking to add a return evening service.

Network Operations Director for GTR and Network Rail

Mike Paterson said: “Since the Coronavirus outbreak, we have worked with hospitals, NHS suppliers, passengers and other stakeholders to make sure our timetable matches the needs of key workers.

“Their input was included in the planning of our reduced timetable. Since it was introduced we have responded to further feedback, making around 20 service improvements to help passengers get to and from work with the space to maintain social distancing. We are working to bring in a further 12 services next week.

“Social distancing is being monitored on board Class 700s and ‘717s’ using their new real-time dashboards. We are committed to providing a safe and reliable service for those in critical roles during this crisis and continue to welcome feedback.

“We at GTR are with our passengers, every step of the way.”