GWR, CrossCountry and South Western Railway announce latest train timetable changes

There's more trains connecting Devon and Cornwall with the rest of the country

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GWR staff sanitising the carriages

Great Western Railway, CrossCountry and South Western Railway have announced the latest changes to railway timetables.

The latest changes come as train companies increase the number of trains they’re running as part of their response to the coronavirus pandemic.

In line with the latest Government advice, the railway operators have also changed their advice to commuters from asking people to travel by train if absolutely essential to informing people to travel safely.

This includes wearing a face mask on trains, unless exempt, with British Transport Police issuing fines for noncompliance and travelling at quieter times where possible and washing hands. In addition, social distancing is being implemented on train services, resulting in a limited capacity.

Great Western Railway

GWR runs the majority of commuter railway services in Devon and Cornwall, in addition to long-distance services connecting Devon and Cornwall to London Paddington, Bristol Temple Meads, and Cardiff Central. Among the latest changes to the timetables, more trains will provide a direct service between stations in Cornwall and London Paddington.

• Between London Paddington and Plymouth: One train per hour, with some services extending to Penzance
• Between Exeter and Plymouth: An hourly service, with additional local stopping services covering smaller stations such as Dawlish, Teignmouth, and Ivybridge.
• Between Exmouth and Exeter: Two trains per hour, with one train per hour on Sundays.
• Between Exeter and Paignton: Two trains per hour, with one train per hour on Sundays.
• Between Plymouth and Penzance: At least one train per hour, including some through trains to and from London.
• Between Truro and Falmouth Docks: Two trains per hour, with one train per hour on Sundays.
• Between St Erth and St Ives: Two trains per hour
• Between Barnstaple and Exeter St James’ Park: Hourly service
• Between Par and Newquay: Six trains each way will operate each day, with five trains on a Sunday.
• Between Plymouth, Gunnislake, and Liskeard: Normal timetable

The Night Riviera sleeper service between London Paddington and Penzance is not running until further notice, however, an overnight service with limited seating capacity will operate between London and Cornwall on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday nights.

South Western Railway

South Western Railway operates services from Exeter St Davids to Salisbury, with onward connections from Salisbury to London Waterloo.

Salisbury to London Waterloo
A reduced service will run on this route, with one train per hour between Salisbury and London Waterloo in each direction with additional peak services. The last service from London Waterloo is at 23:25.

Salisbury to Exeter St David's
A reduced service will run on this route, with one train every two hours. The last service from London Waterloo, which connects with the last service to Exeter St David's is at 20:20. A 23:08 service will run between Salisbury and Yeovil Junction only.

CrossCountry Trains

CrossCountry trains are currently operating a limited service to stations in Devon and Cornwall.

There are currently only occasional services to stations in Cornwall, with services to Edinburgh Waverley departing and arriving at Plymouth every two hours.

Some stations in Cornwall will not be called at by CrossCountry until further notice. These are Lostwithiel, Camborne, and Hayle.

There will be a very limited amount of Crosscountry services stopping at Dawlish, Paignton, Teignmouth, Torquay, and stations in Cornwall.

What other changes are there?

Train companies are advising people to book their travel in advance to ensure they get a seat. With limited capacity on train services with the requirement to maintain social distancing, there is a large reduction in the usual capacity on services. There is a limited catering service being reintroduced on some trains, however many still have no catering on board.

In addition, face coverings are currently mandatory unless you have an exception due to a medical condition or disability.

GWR passenger advice states the following:

• Use mobile and smart tickets where possible.
• Check before you travel.
• Travel off peak where possible.
• Allow extra time to make your journey by train
• You must wear a face covering
• Carry hand sanitiser and wash your hands before and after travelling
• Don't travel if you're unwell or have any symptoms of the coronavirus
• If available, make a reservation in advance.
• Look for markings on train doors showing you where to get on and off. Try and sit by a window and leave enough space between yourself and other passengers to maintain social distancing.