NORTHERN is to run amended ‘Key Worker’ timetables from Tuesday as a result of the continuing impact of Covid-19.

The rail company published the timetables tonight.

They can be found at https://www.northernrailway.co.uk/key-worker-timetables.

Public transport has been severely reduced in the Bradford district as the number of travellers plummets.

Bus and rail companies have introduced special timetables with travellers advised to contact their service provider to get the latest information.

Road traffic has also reduced.

A spokesperson for Highways England said: “As people follow government advice traffic volumes appear to be reducing. Maintaining a safe road network is our priority and that’s what our on-road teams, control room staff, and the people who support them, are all working hard to do.”

Some of the services Northern tried to run today were cancelled because of a shortage of train crew. It is not known whether this was because of the effects of coronavirus.

Northern said: “Everyone at Northern is working to provide the best possible rail service during this difficult time, but it is simply not possible to operate our usual timetable.

“Where we are not able to run train we will seek to provide rail replacement road transport.

“Though we continue to run services, the Government is advising that, if possible, you should avoid non-essential public transport use and try to avoid rush hour, varying your usual travel times to prevent crowding and if possible, work from home.”

Key workers travelling on trains will have “space to be safe” under plans announced by Transport Secretary Grant Shapps.

He made the commitment to tackle overcrowding after concerns were raised about carriages being packed despite social distancing instructions aimed at slowing the spread of Covid-19.

Mr Shapps tweeted: “Concerning to see images of packed trains this a.m. The advice is clear: Stay home if possible. That is the way to save lives.

“We are working with train operators to introduce a small number of trains for key workers to have space to be safe.”

Train companies in England were operating a reduced service from Monday in order to provide a more reliable service for key worker “heroes” such as emergency services and healthcare professionals.

The Department of Transport (DoT) said “core services” would still run, ensuring people can travel to medical appointments and to allow vital goods - food and fuel - to be shipped around the country where needed.

The changes come after the Government issued guidelines warning against all but essential travel as the Covid-19 pandemic continues.

Robert Nisbet, director of nations and regions at the Rail Delivery Group, which represents train operators and Network Rail, said the measures are being taken in a time of “extraordinary national challenge”.

“This is not a decision we take lightly,” he said.

“However, implementing these measures now will mean that we can continue to operate trains over a prolonged period with fewer railway workers, who like so many others are to be commended for putting the needs of the country first, and whose safety remains front of mind.”

Mr Nisbet said the group would be monitoring demand for services closely in the weeks ahead and would adjust timetables accordingly.

The DoT said it intended to reduce the services gradually over the coming days to minimise disruption.

Mr Shapps said: “We are taking decisive action to protect the public, which means reducing travel for the time being, whilst still ensuring keyworker heroes can get to their jobs to keep this nation running.

“For passengers in crucial roles, including essential workers in our emergency services and NHS, alongside people who need to attend medical appointments or care for loved ones, these changes protect the services they rely on.

“Our railways are at the heart of this country’s transport links, and we continue to work closely with the industry to develop measures that protect operators in these challenging times.”

Grand Central has announced it will offer refunds on all Advance Purchase tickets bought before Monday for travel after that date. In line with franchised train companies Grand Central will offer a full refund, without administration charge, on Advance Purchase (AP) tickets. The refund policy comes into force with immediate effect, in line with other UK rail operators.

For full information on all Grand Central train services, including the reduced timetable and refund arrangements, go to www.grandcentralrail.com/coronavirus-travel-information.