Train company Southeastern is to introduce a reduced timetable in Kent in response to the current phase of the pandemic.

The new timetable will reflect reduced passenger demand and the need for Southeastern's frontline workers who keep the network running to follow personal NHS advice and to self-isolate.

The new timetable is designed to enable Southeastern to run a "resilient service which will help prevent short notice cancellations, should more frontline colleagues be affected by the virus".

From Monday, trains from various Kent stations will be affected, but the Medway Valley Line, which has one service an hour will stay the same, but during peak times will get two services an hour.

Maidstone East and Paddock Wood, which have two trains an hour will also stay the same.

Sheerness, will be reduced to just one service an hour, but will get two at peak times and the High-speed via Ashford service will stay the same but the same service via Gravesend will be reduced from two to one, apart from peak times which will see two services remain.

At Woolwich, Bexleyheath and Sidcup trains will be reduced from six to four an hour, except for peak times, when Southeastern will still run six an hour.

Bromley South will see services reduced from four an hour to two, except for peak times, when four will run.

Sole Street which has three per hour will be increased to six during peak times.

The reduced timetable will run until further notice and is available to view in full today here. A map of the planned service frequency should also help passengers plan their journeys.

Bosses say teams are working hard to make sure people can travel still with confidence, but are urging commuters to plan ahead and avoid busy times.

Scott Brightwell, train services director for Southeastern, said: “Throughout the pandemic, we’ve continually monitored passenger numbers and responded with adjustments to our timetable.

"The slight reduction to services this winter will also ensure that the number of services better meets changed patterns of demand.

“Where necessary, further adjustments will be made to support social distancing on busier routes as part of our safer travel pledge to ensure that if you need to, you can travel with confidence.”

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