Trains cancelled from next week – National Rail orders reduced services across UK

The Department for Transport (DfT) said it had agreed with rail operators across the country to change timetables from Monday as people avoid non-essential travel and social contact in a bid to stop the spread of Covid-19.

It comes after demand dropped by up to 69 percent on some routes.

Core trains will run to allow key workers to travel and freight services will continue.

The move will also help protect the welfare of frontline railway staff, the DfT said.

It follows speculation that a number of train operators could be bought under Government control due to falling passenger numbers.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps suggested on Tuesday that rail companies, as well as bus firms and airlines, could be temporarily nationalised to help them through the coronavirus crisis.

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