Northamptonshire's rail passengers warned 'check before you travel' as staff are hit by Covid-19

Train bosses are warning passengers in Northamptonshire to check before they travel as the coronavirus pandemic starts to bite deep into staffing levels.

London Northwestern Railway, which operates trains through Northampton, and East Midlands Railway. which serves Corby, Kettering and Wellingborough, have both confirmed some timetable alterations from Monday (October 26) as a result of "Covid-related staff absences."

Services through Northamptonshire are not currently affected but both companies warn that the situation is being kept under constant review and passengers are advised to check for short-notice alterations.

The number of Covid-19 cases across the East Midlands region has risen by nearly 10,000 in the last week, forcing those with positive tests and their close contacts to self-isolate. Northamptonshire alone has seen 899 new cases in the last week, according to latest Government figures released yesterday (Wednesday).

MD of East Midlands Railway, Will Rogers, said: “In recent weeks and in line with the rest of the country, we have seen a significant increase in the number of our staff who have been affected by Covid-19.

“With this in mind, we have taken the proactive step to make changes to our timetable to protect our most popular services — including those that are relied upon by key workers or those who use our services to travel to work, school or college.

"This will help to protect against unplanned and short notice cancellations which we know are extremely frustrating for customers.

“These changes will remain under review, but in the meantime, passengers are urged to check their journey before they set off."

Both London Northwestern and East Midlands Railway have journey planners on the website and seat checkers to help identify the least busy services plus full information on how to travel safely using public transport.

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