West Midlands Railway is asking passengers to keep wearing face coverings, unless exempt,  from Monday (19 July) as Covid restrictions are eased.

The train company is also warning rail users to expect more short-notice cancellations as increasing numbers of staff are getting ‘pinged’ by the Test and Trace app.

Jonny Wiseman, West Midlands Railway  Customer Experience director said; “We are keeping up the extra high standards of cleaning on our trains and stations that we implemented at the start of the pandemic. Even though Covid restrictions are easing from Monday, the message is, in crowded spaces, wear a face covering out of respect for others.”

In recent weeks the train company has seen the number of staff having to self-isolate quadruple, resulting in trains being cancelled at short notice and fewer carriages being available on some services.

Before the pandemic, the train operator recruited over 100 extra drivers but their training has also been delayed due to Covid restrictions. The company now estimates it will take up to a year before all of its new train crew are qualified.