From next Monday, 23rd March, Southeastern will be introducing a reduced timetable to support efforts of delaying the coronavirus spread and keep services running.
The changes will mean that essential trains for key workers will run.
About half the usual trains will run with enough capacity for passengers to follow the guidelines on social distancing.
The changes will mean that early and late trains can still run for key workers where possible.
Online journey planners will have details of the revised service from Sunday 22nd March, which will be in place until further notice.
You can view a map of the proposed frequency on the Southeastern website
All the stations will be open, passengers should only use public transport if their journey is absolutely essential.
What did the officials say?
David Statham, managing director at Southeastern, said:
“Like many of us, Southeastern train crew and station teams can't work from home, and some of them are also dealing with personal or family issues related to coronavirus. We're grateful to our passengers for their understanding as we take steps to ensure that vital train services for key workers can keep running. Please follow the official advice and only travel if your journey is absolutely essential”.
Robert Nisbet, director of nations and regions at the Rail Delivery Group, which represents train operators and Network Rail, said:
“At a time of extraordinary national challenge, the measures rail companies are putting in place with government will preserve services so that we can continue to get key workers to where they need to be, deliver food to supermarkets and get fuel to power stations.
“This is not a decision we take lightly, however implementing these measures now will mean that we can continue to operate trains over a prolonged period with fewer railway workers, who like so many others are to be commended for putting the needs of the country first, and whose safety remains front of mind.
“We are monitoring demand closely and should it become necessary in the weeks ahead, we will adjust services and timetables to ensure they're being delivered to best effect where they're needed most, in accordance with our plan. We would advise anybody who has to travel to check the time of their train on the National Rail Enquiries website before they set out.”
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I do feel sorry for passengers using Southeastern and Southeastern Highspeed services because of the Coronavirus outbreak.