https://www.bbc.co.

uk/news/business-56198750

Get used to fewer trains, says rail body

Around 10% fewer train services should run once the country opens up again,
compared to the pre-pandemic timetable, the chairman of Network Rail has said.

The old pattern of five days of peak commuter travel may not return, Sir Peter Hendy
warned the National Rail Recovery conference.

Instead, leisure travel might boost weekend traffic, especially if limits on international
travel continue.

Commuter traffic could return to 80% of pre-pandemic levels, he suggested.

"The service doesn't run better if you put too many trains on the track. We've proved
that," said Sir Peter.

"I used to watch the trains to the Cornish Riviera from Paddington and it was packed
and we might need to get used to that again,' he told the conference.

"If Saturday and Sunday get busy in the summer we need to do engineering work at
other times."