Changes to Southern Rail timetable from today (March, 23)

Southern rail will be operating an amended Saturday timetable from today (Monday, 23) in line with government plans to gradually reduce train services across the country as it fights the coronavirus outbreak. The operator said Great Northern, Southern and Thameslink are having to cancel trains at short notice owing to staff members requiring to stay at home unwell or self-isolate under the guidance issued by Public Health England. Southern Rail said: "The move reflects a decrease in passenger demand as people stop all unnecessary travel and decrease non-essential social contact in line with the Government's advice to help stop the spread of the virus. "Running reduced services will also help protect the welfare of staff essential for day-to-day operations. "The service plans look to ensure that the train operators provide a useful service for key workers whilst maintaining a consistent timetable. "The train operators are working to ensure that all routes and stations receive a service, and will look to enable social distancing with this service." From today (March, 23) until Friday (March 27) there will be an amended Saturday timetable across Southern, Thameslink and Great Northern with a reduced hourly timetable on Gatwick Express, with some additional services where possible. There will be a reduced service between: Brighton and Lewes - there will be other services running for customers. Brighton and Hove - there will be other services running for customers. Brighton and Southampton - customers travelling between Havant and Southampton may need to change at Havant or Fratton. Epsom to London Bridge services - you'll need to change at Sutton for Thameslink services into Blackfriars, or travel with South Western Railway into London Waterloo, changing for London Underground services towards London Bridge The amended timetable is now available in online journey planners. The planned service is expected to run across next weekend. From next Monday (March, 30) there will be a Sunday timetable across Southern, Thameslink and Great Northern network. The operator says they're aware that many key workers may need to attend work at unsociable hours, so the service will be enhanced on some routes so they start earlier and finish later. This Sunday timetable will run until further notice. The amended timetable will be available in online journey planners by Sunday (March, 29). More Radio is continuously dedicated to providing a quality news service on-air and online, reporting local stories that matter across Sussex. If you enjoyed reading this story, then check out our home page at moreradio.online where you can find the latest from the county, along with features and competitions from our presenters, as well as listening to the station live. You can also sign up to our news alerts to receive updates on new stories. Simply click on the bell at the bottom right of the home page. This will then allow a pop-up which will ask if you would like to receive alerts. Press ‘allow’ and you’re all signed up! You can also follow us on Facebook and on Twitter.