Students Head Back to Class – GTR Trains Ready but Timetable Changed
Schools and colleges reopen for face-to-face learning on Monday, 8th March. Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) urges students and pupils to check train times before travelling. The new timetable rolled out on 22nd February was cut back to match lower passenger numbers during lockdown.
Timetable Tweaks After Feedback from Schools and Key Workers
GTR’s reduced schedule responds to input from local schools, businesses, and key workers. Chris Fowler, Customer Services Director for Southern, says: “We have used feedback from local schools, businesses and key workers to design timetables based on their needs.”
He added: “The new, reduced timetable supports schools and colleges on the route, but we would ask everyone using our services to check before travelling.”
Strict Safety Rules and Super Clean Trains
GTR reminds travellers face coverings must be worn at all times unless exempt. Enhanced cleaning regimes are in place, including:
- Extra cleaning teams working across the network
- 800 touch-free hand sanitiser stations at stations
- Protective screens at 54 stations’ ticket offices and 108 screens at self-service ticket machines
- Weekly Covid assurance checks covering cleanliness and compliance
- Long-lasting viricide treatments applied at stations, depots, and offices
Fowler concludes: “With more cleaning and safety measures, customers who need to travel can do so with confidence.”
Plan Your Journey – Check Updated Train Times Now
All timetable changes are live on National Rail and other journey planners. Travellers should double-check schedules before setting off — trains may run at different times than before lockdown.
