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Changes to GWR Services – Response to COVID19

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Following discussions with Government and the wider rail industry, Great Western Railway is reducing services to reflect national advice against non-essential travel, while maintaining services critical to keeping key workers moving during the current situation.

The changes prioritise key routes essential for those people continuing to deliver vital services as the UK responds to the current situation.  GWR Interim Managing Director Matthew Golton said:

“The railway is a critical part of the UK’s infrastructure and, even though many people are remaining at home due to the latest Government advice, we will be relied upon to continue to help key workers in other sectors get to work so they can provide services critical to the day-to-day running of the country.

“Our responsibility is to run a service that can be relied upon at this time. We are taking sensible measures to make sure we are able to do so.”

Full details of the timetable are on gwr.com. There may need to be more changes, if you are a key worker, or making an essential journey please check your journey at https://www.gwr.com/travel-updates/check-your-journey.

Services between London Paddington and Plymouth will continue to operate every hour, and customers will be able to connect for services to/from Cornwall.  Services on regional lines and branch lines will operate to a revised timetable.  The Night Riviera sleeper service is withdrawn. Refunds have been made easier with administration fees withdrawn and refunds can also now be claimed on Advance Purchase tickets which are normally non-refundable.

GWR has also announced that they will be transitioning to an Emergency Measures Agreement, set up by the Department for Transport for all rail operators. This will run initially for six months and ensure that rail stays open and operational for key workers.