TRAINS will run on reduced timetables nationwide in coming weeks to protect train staff and customers from the spreading coronavirus.

National and regional train operators have made announcements about reduced services in Oxfordshire, coming into force from Monday.

Great Western Railways said services between London Paddington, Bristol Temple Meads and South Wales - which stop at Didcot - will run hourly.

GWR branch line services to Oxford are also expected to run at a reduced rate.

Chiltern Railway also said its services will be reduced from Monday.

Trains will run hourly in each direction between London Marylebone and Birmingham, Oxford, Aylesbury via High Wycombe and Aylesbury Vale Parkway.

The Government and the UK rail industry have agreed the gradual reduction in train services across the country to reflect lower passenger demand, while keeping rail services running to keep key workers moving during the coronavirus outbreak.

Witney Gazette:

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps.

Reduced rail services will be kept under review, with operators providing information to make sure passengers who need to travel are informed of changes.

The plan will also make sure freight services can continue to move around the country.

Secretary of State for Transport Grant Shapps, said: “For passengers in crucial roles, including essential workers in our emergency services and NHS, alongside people who need to attend medical appointments or care for loved ones, these changes protect the services they rely on. “Our railways are at the heart of this country’s transport links, and we continue to work closely with the industry to develop measures that protects operators in these challenging times.”