Trains cancelled in Cornwall as so-called 'pingdemic' causes staff shortages

Great Western Railway says services on the main line to London and some branch lines will be affected until 20th August

Author: Emma HartPublished 26th Jul 2021

Cornwall's trains are being hit by the so-called 'pingdemic' and the disruption is expected to last for several weeks.

Great Western Railway says it has caused staff shortages, with a 'significant' number having to self-isolate.

These include services on the main line from Penzance to Plymouth, as well as the Newquay, Looe and Gunnislake branch lines.

GWR will operate an amended timetable from Monday 26th July until Friday 20th August.

What services are affected in Cornwall?

Looe Branch. Mon 26th July- Fri 20th August.

The last train service from Liskeard will be 17:46 and from Looe 18:17. A Rail Replacement Service will then operate the evening timetabled services.

Newquay Branch. Mon 26th July- Fri 20th August.

16:15 Par-Newquay will be operated by a Rail Replacement Service

17:19 Newquay-Par will be operated by a Rail Replacement Service

Gunnislake Branch. Mon 26th July- Fri 20th August.

21:30 Plymouth-Gunnislake will be operated by a Rail Replacement Service

22:22 Gunnislake-Exeter will be operated by a Rail Replacement service between Gunnislake and Plymouth with a connecting train onwards to Exeter

Plymouth - Penzance. Mon 26th July- Fri 20th August.

09:50 Penzance-Plymouth will NOT run, however alternative services are available

12:17 Plymouth-Penzance will NOT run, however alternative services are available

GWR said: "GWR will be operating a revised timetable from Monday 26 July due to a reduction in the number of available staff.

"A significant number of staff are having to self-isolate following notification from test and trace.

"Where possible customers will be contacted and advised of cancellations affecting their journey.

"Customers wishing to travel can choose to travel on alternative services immediately before or after their booked service or claim a full refund with no admin fee if their service is affected.

"You can find out more about claiming a refund or rebooking your journey here.

"Where services can operate, they are expected to be busier than normal. Please check before you travel".

Great Western Railway

You can check which services are affected and plan your journey here.****