GTR Slashes Train Services to Keep Key Workers Moving
Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR), the operator behind Southern, Thameslink, Great Northern and Gatwick Express, is slashing train services from Monday 23 March. The move comes as the government calls for a nationwide cutback to protect vital rail services for key workers.
Reduced Timetables Begin 23 March, Cut Again on 30 March
The first wave of service cuts kicks off on 23 March, followed by a further reduction on 30 March. These trimmed timetables focus on supporting healthcare workers, emergency services, and others working early or late shifts.
Steve White, GTR’s Chief Operating Officer, said: “This is an unprecedented situation for everyone and we – together with the rest of the rail industry – are doing our utmost to keep an essential service running for key workers who are doing such vital jobs. The message from the Government is clear – travel only if you have to.
The changes we are making should allow us to sustain a timetable for those who absolutely have to travel such as doctors, nurses and the emergency services. We want to thank them and our own staff, who are working so hard to keep trains running.”
Rail Industry Warns: Further Changes Possible
Robert Nisbet, Director of Nations and Regions at the Rail Delivery Group, added: “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.”
With Coronavirus impacting GTR’s workforce, passengers should brace for possible last-minute schedule shifts.
What Passengers Need to Know
- From 19 March, Gatwick Express will run half-hourly off-peak services on weekdays and weekends.
- From 23 March, a reduced service rolls out across all GTR lines – Southern, Thameslink, Great Northern, and Gatwick Express. Updated timetables go live online by 22 March.
- From 30 March, services cut further. New timetables available from 29 March.
Always check 123, Gatwick Express, or Great Northern.
