Train timetables have been changed to help NHS staff and other essential workers during the coronavirus outbreak.
Northern has amended its routes following feedback from passengers.
The changes include the Southport to Manchester service.
Following feedback from some of those key workers, several timetables have been altered to better provide rail services when they are most needed.
From this week, some of the changes are as follows:
- The current Southport Railway Station to Stalybridge service will now operate between Southport and Manchester Oxford Road (via Deansgate) creating additional options for key workers in central Manchester and the new Nightingale hospital
- The 6.20am Liverpool Lime Street to Manchester Oxford Road service will now depart at 6.10am and run 10 minutes earlier throughout the day to help key workers at Trafford General Hospital
- Additional services will be provided between Preston and Blackpool North to help key workers at Blackpool Victoria Hospital
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Chris Jackson, Regional Director at Northern said: “We have listened to feedback over the past few weeks and have made changes to our timetables to try to help those key workers who rely on our services to get them from A to B.
“As we enter a further period of lockdown we will continue to review our timetables to make sure we are doing our bit in supporting those who are providing such valuable service during this unprecedented time.”
Chris added: “We are also supporting key workers by asking everyone else to follow the government advice and to only travel if journeys are essential. Our advice is simple, stay home – save lives.”
Full details of the new timetables can be found by visiting National Rail Enquiries’ website.
