Thameslink pledge to keep trains running for Bedfordshire's essential workers

Thameslink bosses vowed to keep trains running for key workers and NHS staff when their emergency timetable kicks in on Monday (March 30).

The operator, which runs trains between Luton and Bedford and Central London, will be introducing what amounts to a Sunday service in response to the coronavirus crisis.

All National Rail companies are cutting back on services as the Covid-19 bug spreads, hitting staff availability and demand,

But Thameslink's Chief Operating Officer Steve White pledged: “In this national emergency, we and the rest of the rail industry are doing everything we can to keep essential services running for key workers on whom we all depend.

“These changes will release our staff to concentrate their efforts on keeping these essential services running.

“Let me repeat the core message from our Government and Public Health England: travel only if it is absolutely essential."

New timetables will be available on the Thameslink website and National Rail Enquiries journey planner from Sunday.

Mr White addded: “Once again, I want to thank the key workers, the doctors, nurses, police and other emergency workers, for what they are doing for us all. I also want to thank railway colleagues who are working so hard to keep trains running.

“To check your journey next week please check online with National Rail Enquiries where the revised timetables will be in place from the weekend.”