This morning, January 12, South Western trains (SWT) released a new timetable which will come into force on January 17.

According to South Western Railway, the far-reaching spread of the Omicron variant of Covid-19 has necessitated the need for a new timetable.

This timetable is temporary and the changes will remain under review.

The new timetable is designed to ensure a continued reliable service for customers, in particular key workers, school pupils and those who must travel to work because they cannot work from home.

With the current working from home guidance, there are fewer passengers on SWR trains.

Omicron has caused widespread staff shortages across the company, which have already caused short-notice cancellations.

Trains running from London Waterloo to Exeter St. David's will now split at Salisbury, and the last train of the day will be earlier than usual.

SWR is advising its customers to view their core timetables on the SWR website, but then to check their journey closer to their departure time, as there may be last minute changes.

SWR's Managing Director Claire Mann said in a statement: "The spread of the Omicron variant has had a significant impact on our railway, with fewer people using the train and staff shortages impacting on our ability to consistently deliver the current timetable.

"Having assessed demand and spoken to our industry colleagues, we believe this new timetable is the most effective means of ensuring our customers receive a reliable service, with short-notice cancellations minimised.

"Journey planners will be updated on a week-by-week basis, with updates taking place towards the end of each week. Customers should check their journey as close to their time of travel as possible."

You can find out more information here