WEST Midlands Railway has confirmed rail replacement buses will operate between all stations on the Hereford to Worcester line when the new timetable comes into force on Monday.
There were fears for healthcare and other key workers about how they would get to their workplaces if they relied on the train.
The new timetable is being introduced on this route and others because of falling passenger numbers and increased numbers of rail staff self-isolating.
The bus service will stop at Hereford, Ledbury, Colwall, Great Malvern and Malvern Link.
West Midlands Railway also confirmed there would still be hourly trains between Worcester and Birmingham.
Jonny Wiseman, customer experience director for West Midlands Railway, said: “I apologise to any affected key workers that it has not been possible to maintain a train service at every station on our network.
“We are listening to feedback and I am pleased to confirm details of the rail replacement transport we will provide from next week.
“We will monitor its usage closely.
“Train drivers and guards are not immune from Covid-19 and with increasing numbers of railway workers going into self-isolation I am sure our customers will understand the difficult decisions we have faced in building a timetable which keeps as many key workers moving as possible.”
Alan Humphries, the chairman of the Droitwich Rail User Action Group, said: “I welcome the decision by West Midlands Railway which is a reflection of their commitment to the community and getting key workers from A to B.”
The replacement bus timetables are currently being finalised and will be available online at wmr.uk/coronavirus from tomorrow (Saturday). The new rail timetable is online now.
For Worcester to Birmingham train times, click here.
