TRAIN operators have started to react to the new national lockdown announced by the Prime Minister last night by reviewing their services again.

GWR had already introduced an amended timetable in late December to respond to higher than usual levels of staff absent or self-isolating, and lower demand from changes to the tier system. The operator said it would continue with its present reduced timetables this week, but there will be some more alterations from 11 January. Around four out of five trains are expected to keep running.

GWR managing director Mark Hopwood said: ‘We have taken some sensible measures to make sure that we are able to run a service that can be relied upon at this time, and that means reducing our timetable a little to shore up the large number of services we continue to operate.

‘This is vital to helping key workers to get to work so they can continue to provide services critical to the day-to-day running of the country.’

GWR said it will continue to monitor demand in line with the latest travel advice issued by the government, ensuring capacity where it is needed and the ability to respond quickly when lockdown is eased.

Passengers who have already purchased tickets but who are now not able to travel because of the latest changes in government travel advice are able to claim a refund.