Train company trims timetables at Northampton following 'Stay At Home' order

Northampton will have fewer peak-hour train services from Monday

Train operators London Northwestern Railway is cutting back peak-hour services from Northampton from Monday.

The Government's 'Stay At Home' lockdown order has reduced demand for seats while train bosses are keen to head off staffing issues.

LNR — which runs trains between Northampton, London Euston and Birmingham — vowed to have enough services on the rails to keep key workers moving but want to avoid short-notice cancellations due to train crew shielding or self-isolating.

Customer experience director, Lawrence Bowman, 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.”

Timetables were slowly restored after being slashed during the first lockdown when passenger numbers tumbled by around 85 per cent as people worked from home instead of commuting.

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

The amended LNR timetable will stay in place until further notice and will be kept under regular review. Visit www.lnr.uk/timetable for full timetable information.

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.

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.lnr.uk/coronavirus for details.