RAIL passengers are being urged check their train times before they travel as a new timetable comes into effect.

The weekday schedules of Southern and Thameslink trains changed today affecting customers across Sussex.

Rail operator Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) says the new timetables are “designed to meet the needs of customers across the network and support schools, colleges and those returning to the office”.

The plan is the changes will ensure operators are providing reliable services better suited to the needs of customers following the pandemic.

It is hoped the new timetable will also limit the impact of covid-related staff absences on services.

Steve White, chief operating officers at GRT said: “Like many other businesses our staffing levels continue to be affected by the pandemic, but the new timetable has been planned to make better use of the drivers we have available, providing more trains, more reliably.

“The Covid third wave this summer has been the most challenging throughout the pandemic to balance the availability of our resources with the needs of our customers. We apologise if you have been affected.

“These changes will ensure we provide you with an increase in trains and provide a more reliable service as we steadily work to overcome the legacy of the pandemic.

“As people come back to using the railway, we will continue to adapt our services to match demand.”

Among the changes coming into effect are services from Brighton, Hove, Hastings and Gatwick.

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