West Midlands Railway unveils amended timetable to keep key workers moving

West Midlands Railway (WMR) will begin running an amended timetable from next week in order to keep key workers moving during the current national lockdown.

The timetable, which comes into effect on Monday 18 January, reflects the reduced number of passengers currently using trains due to national travel restrictions as well as the increased number of railway staff unable to work due to shielding or self-isolating.

Government rules designed to prevent the spread of coronavirus mean people can only use public transport for limited reasons such as travelling to work which cannot be done from home, accessing education or attending medical appointments.

Jonny Wiseman, WMR customer experience director, said:

“All through the pandemic our dedicated staff have continued working hard to provide a regular, safe and reliable train service which has kept the country moving.

“With the current travel restrictions significantly reducing passenger numbers, now is the right time to adjust our timetable so we continue to provide an appropriate level of service.

“Passengers should only use the train when necessary but our enhanced cleaning regimes mean those who do come on board can continue to travel with confidence.”

Timetable changes from Monday 18 January include:

• Fewer trains will run on Birmingham Snow Hill lines on weekday afternoons
• No trains will run between Leamington Spa and Nuneaton via Coventry. Replacement buses will serve all stations on the route
• A reduced number of services will run on the ‘Town Car’ branch line between Stourbridge Town and Stourbridge Junction

The timetable is in place until further notice and will be kept under regular review. For full timetable information visit www.wmr.uk/timetable

With increased numbers of railway staff shielding or self-isolating, passengers are being advised to check their journeys before setting out to avoid any short-notice cancellations.

Passengers are also being reminded that it is mandatory to wear a face covering while travelling on the railway network, unless exempt for medical reasons.

Meanwhile, customers holding tickets for travel which were purchased prior to the national lockdown announcement on January 4 are being advised they may be entitled to a refund – see www.wmr.uk/coronavirus for details.