Some commuters have complained amid uncertainty about a return to pre-pandemic service levels.
More than a fifth of train services that were running before the Covid pandemic have not returned, new data provided to the BBC shows.
Omicron dealt passenger numbers a fresh setback at the end of 2021, as people were again asked to work from home if they could. The shape of the timetable beyond that is still uncertain. As commuters slowly return, deciding how many services to are needed at which times is a challenge.The latest figures from the Department for Transport show that on Monday this week, passenger usage was about 64% of pre-pandemic levels.The rail industry has launched a rewards programme to incentivise commuters, and a flexible season ticket has been introduced in an attempt to adapt to changed habits.
"There are fewer trains an hour, they are very crowded, and they are randomly being cancelled. They are not as frequent or reliable."Recently appointed rail minister Wendy Morton said people were now working differently in a "changing landscape" with people "starting to blend home and the office". She said it was necessary to "balance the mix".
Some operators have bid to run more services that would bring them close to pre-Covid levels, but a final decision is still to be made on that.While passenger numbers on trains and buses are still lower than they were, road traffic has rebounded, with car journeys approaching pre-pandemic levels.
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