WEEKDAY passenger rail services across Wales will be reduced from Monday, it has been confirmed.

Yesterday the leader reported how Arriva Buses Wales announced a forthcoming reduction in some services from next week due to the coronavirus.

Transport for Wales has now announced a similar move with regard to rail services.

A spokesman said: "At Transport for Wales our primary focus is keeping our colleagues and customers safe.

"In line with the rest of the UK rail industry, and based on advice from public health bodies, we have taken the difficult decision to reduce weekday passenger services moving forward.

“This timetable has been designed to be as resilient as possible, whilst ensuring we balance a reduction in demand, availability of our people and the need to support key workers such as health, food retailers and delivery teams.

“This decision takes into account the latest public health guidance to protect customers and colleagues and fewer people using our services during this unprecedented period.

"Like everyone, our colleagues and their families will be feeling the impact of the pandemic and we thank all our customers for their patience and understanding.

“We will continue to prioritise peak periods in order to ensure we do not create overly busy traveling conditions and will be monitoring the situation on a daily basis to ensure people that need to travel during the period can still travel when absolutely necessary.

“For affected passengers, full details of the changes will be available to view in rail planning systems from midday Sunday 22nd March. Your ability to easily change travel plans during these extreme circumstances is really important to us, and we’re keen to offer you flexibility.

"You can find more information here: https://tfwrail.wales/covid-19

"Advanced tickets will also be eligible for refunds from Monday, March 23."