Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how he plans to minimise disruption on the Great Western Railway due to an outbreak of covid-19 among railway staff causing the cancellation of services during the Christmas period.
The Department agreed that Advanced Purchase tickets should be temporarily suspended through to 27 December to enable GWR to develop a resilient train operating plan.
GWR contacted passengers who had booked on affected trains to help make alternative arrangements. Passengers could choose to travel on a different train, or claim a refund if they no longer wished to travel. GWR updated its website and included advice about alternative options, including booking with National Express.
Demand over the Christmas period was reduced substantially from anticipated levels following the announcements over changes to tiering and Christmas bubble arrangements.