Warning over trains

People who need to travel by train during lockdown are being urged to check journey planners as timetables are slashed.

Services are being cut from about 87% of normal levels to 72% due to the latest coronavirus lockdown in England.

Industry body the Rail Delivery Group (RDG) said thisreflectsthelowernumber of people travelling and provides better value for money for taxpayers – who are subsiding franchised train operators to keep trains running.

Morning and evening peak services are being prioritised to support key workers.

Leisure travel is prohibited, with people only allowed to leave home for limited reasons.

RDG director of nations and regions Robert Nisbet said: "We ask people to check before they travel andthankourfrontlinerail staff."