South Western Railway slammed by Railfuture over Covid timetable

South Western Railway is now running fewer trains from Southampton Central and wider Hampshire.

It claims that its workforce has been slashed by Covid, with staff either testing positive or having to self isolate.

But Railfuture, a national not-for-profit company campaigning for a bigger and better railway in Britain, called the decision a new low point.

Stewart Palmer, regional Railfuture director said: “There is no evidence from recent weeks that the levels of sickness by staff from Covid has forced these changes on SWR on these two routes."

"SWR have already reduced the attractiveness of these services by reducing frequencies, extending average journey times and the withdrawal of on-train refreshments. They seem to display a cavalier disregard for the needs of rail users.

South Western Railway timetable meeting calls for the rail company to come and face the public in Weymouth. Former South West Trains boss Stewart Palmer explains the finer points about the changes and how these changes will affect users if it goes

"These changes will just drive passengers away to higher carbon means of transport. Rail users and their elected politicians, both local and national, need to make their voices heard to reverse this madness.”

Southampton residents have been struggling to commute to work since the new timetable was introduced on Monday (January 17).

But SWR says that, with current guidance to work from home, this timetable will "sufficiently meet current demand".

One Echo reader, who asked not to be named, said: "It's an disgrace that South Western Rail have changed their timetables this week, so that the last train out of Waterloo to Southampton, Portsmouth, Bournemuth is 10.35pm, meaning anyone who has booked a show or a night out in London, or is thinking about it, now has to finish their night at 10pm, to get to Waterloo.

"Most concerts / shows finish at 11pm, meaning missing at least an hour of the performance. There is no compensation for this. How is that having the best interests of their clients in mind?"

Temporary timetable changes will remain under review going forward.

Managing director Claire Mann said: "The spread of the Omicron variant has had a significant impact on our railway, with fewer people using the train and staff shortages impacting on our ability to consistently deliver the current timetable.

“Having assessed demand and spoken to our industry colleagues, we believe this new timetable is the most effective means of ensuring our customers receive a reliable service, with short-notice cancellations minimised.

“Journey planners will be updated on a week-by-week basis, with updates taking place towards the end of each week. Customers should check their journey as close to their time of travel as possible.”

Core timetables are available through the SWR website, with journey planners set to be updated on a week-by-week basis.

Updates will take place towards the end of each week, so customers are advised to check before they travel.