A RAIL service has announced further reductions to its services as passenger numbers plummet.

Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) made the announcement six days after it revealed an initial cut to its services.

This followed regular passengers being urged to stay at home by Prime Minister Boris Johnson to limit the impact of coronavirus on the country.

>>>Read more: Latest coronavirus news in Sussex

GTR operates Southern, Thameslink and Gatwick Express services.

The new "phased timetable" comes after talks between the Government and train operators across the UK. 

It will come into effect on Monday.

The new timetable will include the temporary suspension of the Gatwick Express service, "in response to a significant fall inpassenger numbers at the airport and to help keep other trains running".

Govia Thameslink Railway's chief operating officer Steve White said: "In this national emergency, we and the rest of the rail industry are doing everything we can to keep essential services running for key workers on whom we all depend.

"These changes will release our staff to concentrate their efforts on keeping these essential services running. Thameslink and Southern trains will continue to serve Gatwick.

"Let me repeat the core message from our Government and Public Health England - travel only if it is absolutely essential.

“Once again, I want to thank the key workers, the doctors, nurses, police and other emergency workers, for what they are doing for us all. I also want to thank railway colleagues who are working so hard to keep trains running.

“To check your journey next week please check online with National Rail Enquiries where the revised timetables will be in place from the weekend. Please note that Coronavirus is having a major impact on us all and there may be further changes so check before your travel.”

  • The coronavirus Sussex Crisis Fund has been set up to help those affected by the pandemic. The Argus’s charity and American Express have each donated £50,000 to kick-start the appeal. Grants will usually be for up to £5,000. More information is available at www.sussexgiving. org.uk/apply. To donate visit www.totalgiving.co.uk/appeal/sussexcrisisfund.